Shadows of the Past: Virginia City, Montana – A Town That Once Was Welcome back to The Smart RVer Podcast and our Shadows of the Past – Towns That Once Were segment! I’m your host, Eric Stark, and today we’re stepping back in time to Virginia City, Montana—a gold rush boomtown frozen in the 1860s,

Silver City, Idaho Silver City, Idaho, nestled at 6,200 feet in the rugged Owyhee Mountains of northwestern Owyhee County, is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.  Founded in 1864 after silver was discovered at nearby War Eagle Mountain, it became a

The Awesome Bordeaux Ghost Town Tucked away in the dense woods of Thurston County, Bordeaux, Washington, is a ghost town that whispers of a bygone era when logging fueled the Pacific Northwest’s economy. Founded in the late 19th century as a logging camp by the Mason County Logging Company, Bordeaux was named after Thomas Bordeaux,

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Protivin, Iowa, is a charming small town with a population of 269 as of the 2020 census, founded by Czech settlers in the mid-19th century. Named after the Bohemian town of Protivín in the Czech Republic, the community was established around 1855 by immigrants drawn

Monowi, Nebraska, a tiny village in Boyd County, holds the unique distinction of being the only incorporated town in the United States with a population of one—Elsie Eiler. Founded in 1902 as a bustling stop along the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, Monowi thrived in the 1930s with 150 residents, boasting shops, a school,

Overview & History Thurmond, West Virginia, is a small town nestled along the New River in Fayette County, renowned for its rich history as a bustling railroad and coal mining hub. Founded in 1900 and named after Captain William D. Thurmond, who acquired the land in 1873 as payment for surveying, the town thrived in

History and Overview Nestled in eastern Utah’s vast, rugged landscapes, Cisco is a ghost town that tells a story of boom, bust, and abandonment. Established in the late 1800s as a crucial water stop for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, Cisco quickly became a thriving hub for railroad workers, ranchers, and travelers crossing

History and Overview Centralia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most unique and eerie places in the U.S., known for the underground coal fire that has been burning beneath the town since 1962. Once a thriving mining community, Centralia was slowly abandoned as the fire spread, causing dangerous sinkholes, toxic gases, and the eventual evacuation of

Overview and History  Visiting Fort Stockton, Texas, is a great way to experience the spirit of the Old West while enjoying a mix of history, culture, and small-town charm. From exploring the historic fort and learning about frontier life at the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum to snapping a photo with Paisano Pete, there’s something for

 Discovering Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Coastal Gem of Culture, Art, and Charm Nestled along California’s central coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque town that has enchanted visitors for decades. Known for its quaint European-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and breathtaking coastal views, this charming destination is a must-visit for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty and cultural

The History and Charm of Madrid, New Mexico: A Complete Guide Nestled in the Ortiz Mountains along the scenic Turquoise Trail, Madrid, New Mexico, is a gem of a town brimming with rich history and unique character. Once a thriving coal mining town, Madrid has transformed into an artsy enclave that attracts visitors worldwide. Madrid

Exploring Silverton, Colorado: A Journey Through History and Adventure Tucked into the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Silverton is a picturesque former mining town that offers visitors a unique combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. From its well-preserved historic district to its stunning alpine surroundings, it’s is a must-visit destination for

Why Jerome is Significant Jerome, Arizona, is one of the most famous ghost towns in the United States, offering visitors a unique blend of rich history, quirky charm, scenic beauty, and a vibrant arts culture. Perched high on Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills of central Arizona, Jerome was once a booming mining town and

Mentone, AL This time, we’re delving into the past and exploring the historic town of Mentone in the great state of Alabama! Mentone’s charm lies in its ability to preserve the essence of small-town mountain life. Whether it’s the echo of children’s laughter from summer camps, the memories of quiet mornings in a mountain cabin,