31 Ghost Towns in America That Are Hauntingly Frozen in Time

By

Lisette Marie

November 3, 2025

16. Shakespeare, New Mexico – The Outlaw Hideout

The interior dining area of the old Stafford Hotel in the ghost town of Shakespeare, New Mexico on 30 March, 2023. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Matthew.kowal

Shakespeare, New Mexico, is a true Wild West ghost town, complete with stories of gunfights, outlaw gangs, and stagecoach robberies. Originally a mining settlement, the town became infamous as a refuge for criminals, including the likes of Billy the Kid and other notorious gunslingers. By the early 1900s, Shakespeare was abandoned, leaving behind wooden saloons, a general store, and a jail that still stands today. Unlike many ghost towns, Shakespeare remains privately owned and is only accessible via guided tours, preserving its authenticity. The combination of real outlaw history and well-preserved buildings makes Shakespeare a fascinating addition to any ghost town exploration.

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