I have always been interested in the artifacts of our culture, the remnants of past lives and events. I found the experience of photographing these Ghost Towns unique. I felt a sense of place, of activity long ceased, an odd sensation that I was trespassing and photographing in very private places. Even though these towns are abandoned, I still felt life.

Most of these towns are not on current maps. They were long ago abandoned by society. The mines played out, the railroad company placed the tracks in a neighboring town, the cattle drives ended. So the town dies. What was here? Who was here? Why? I was fortunate to have learned about these towns, their little histories, their sense of place in our culture. The uniquely American intensity with which they thrived and so quickly vanished on America's quest of manifest destiny.

I hope you too can sense these places. That you can feel the life that once was there. That the photographs present questions which captivate you and leave you somewhat more informed.

The following photographs have been selected from the many made on several trips to Texas and Wyoming. I made all attempts to photograph as honestly as possible. In no instance was the scene arranged or altered.

I was fortunate in that I was assisted by people who shared with me the locations and history of these old Ghost Towns. To those people a heartfelt thank you. - CC