A new travel video from a well‑known YouTube explorer takes viewers on a tour of several of Wyoming’s forgotten ghost towns. The series begins in Gebo, an abandoned coal‑mining community about 11 miles north of Thermopolis. Founded in 1907, Gebo once supported more than 2,000 residents before a mine collapse in 1938 forced most people to leave. In recent years, the site has attracted a number of ghost‑hunting groups who document the lingering atmosphere of the old town.
Jay Em Preserves Its Past
From Gebo the explorer drives north to Jay Em, a small settlement of roughly 76 people located about 35 miles north of Torrington. The town has made a conscious effort to preserve several historic buildings, offering a glimpse of early Wyoming life. Jay Em also sits on the historic Texas Cattle Driving route, a reminder of the state’s ranching heritage.
Miner’s Delight Near the Continental Divide
The next stop is Miner’s Delight, perched near the Continental Divide in central Wyoming. Gold was first discovered there in 1868, making it one of the state’s earliest mining communities. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the ghost town includes a rugged walking path, an interpretive kiosk at the entrance and informational panels throughout the site. Visitors should note that the area is not ADA accessible.
Small Populations, Big Stories: Shawnee and Arminto
The explorer then visits Shawnee, a tiny community with a population of five, before heading to Arminto, home to about 15 residents. Arminto lies west of Casper and was established in 1913 as a railroad town. Though the town now contains a lot of abandoned structures, its historic roots remain evident to those who notice the old rail lines and building foundations.
Additional Local Highlights
While the video focuses on ghost towns, the host also points viewers to a separate tour of a historic mansion in Casper listed for $1,480,000. Photos of the property were previously featured on the Facebook page USA Historical Houses. Finally, the video includes a brief look at an underground nuclear launch site in Wyoming, though no further details are provided.
These ghost towns offer a tangible connection to Wyoming’s mining, ranching and railroad past. For residents and visitors alike, the sites serve as quiet reminders of the state’s frontier history and the communities that once thrived there.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
