Relive the Wild West - Three Historic Old West Ghost Towns Worth Seeing

From the shoot out at the OK Corral to Seth Bullock's Deadwood, the lost towns of the Old West remind us of a time when America was young, wild and free. The Old West was a time of lawlessness, saloons and gold. Towns sprang up over night and became the center of mining and trade, only to fade away just as quickly as they started when the gold dried up. During their heyday, these towns saw prostitutes, gambling at bustling saloons and shoot outs in the streets.

Some of these towns were saved by the wrecking ball and preserved, frozen in time. Today, you can visit these towns to get a glimpse of what life was like in the Wild West.

Virginia City

Virginia City, Nevada got its start during the Civil War when six miners discovered gold in the hills. Unable to keep their find a secret, the area was soon flooded with miners and quickly became a prominent town. Both union and confederate sympathizers made their way to Virginia City to seek their fortune. But the city - like most Old West towns- soon turned to a ghost town.

Today, most of Virginia City remains as it was 150 years ago. Visitors can walk along the boulevard and see the original stores and houses that stood in the town. Visitors can tour several museums, covering the town's colorful past. Those on the hunt for gold can partake in the Ponderosa Mining Tour. Virginia City also hosts seasonal events throughout the summer months.

Deadwood

The HBO hit series, "Deadwood," brought this once thriving South Dakota town to life again. Originally a gold mining town, Deadwood got its fame when Wild Bill Hickcok and Calamity Jane rode into town. Wild Bill was there to do some gambling, but it didn't last long. The famous gun slinger was shot down shortly after arriving in Deadwood. Seth Bullock became the first sheriff of the South Dakota territory after Wild Bill's death, a point in time that became the main premise to the HBO series.

Today visitors can tour the still thriving Old West town. Many original buildings still stand, including several saloons where visitors can gamble in the spirit of the Old West. Deadwood also hosts seasonal events. In December, visitors can partake in the Deadwood Cowboy Christmas Ball - a living reenactment of the parties hosted in the Old West.

Tombstone

In its heyday, Tombstone, Arizona was so bloody that the president almost had to declare martial law. Perhaps the bloodiest, or at least the most well known event, took place outside of the OK Corral. On October 26, 1881, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and his brother got in a gun fight with Tom McLaury and Ike Clanton in front of the doors to the OK Corral. While it didn't last long, it became the most famous shoot out in Wild West history and made stars out of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday.

Today visitors can see where the famous gun battle took place. Most of the buildings, including the OK Corral, remain intact and visitors can tour many saloons and storefronts. Actors put on Old West gun fight shows. Visitors can also take a wagon ride tour through the town.

Attractions and Events, Virginia City, Nevada.
Tourism, City of Tombstone.
Deadwood Events, Deadwood.