Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Oregon

Chapman

A ghost town of unknown status in Columbia County County, Oregon.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Chapman ghost town, Oregon
Photo: Colmer, Montagu, and Charles Erskine Scott Wood (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Oregon
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Chapman. William Williams Chapman (August 11, 1808 – October 18, 1892) was an American politician and lawyer in Oregon and Iowa. He was born and raised in Virginia.

Columbia County County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Apiary, Keasey, Kerry — Chapman keeps them company on the map.

The story of Chapman

Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.

William Williams Chapman (August 11, 1808 – October 18, 1892) was an American politician and lawyer in Oregon and Iowa. He was born and raised in Virginia. He served as a United States Attorney in Iowa when it was part of the Michigan and Wisconsin territories, and then represented the Iowa Territory in the United States House of Representatives. He later immigrated to the Oregon Country, where he served in the Oregon Territorial Legislature. After settling in Portland, he helped to found The Oregonian newspaper and promoted economic interests in the city.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Chapman is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Chapman is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Chapman FAQs

Where is Chapman located?
Chapman is in Columbia County County, Oregon. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Chapman in?
Chapman sits in Columbia County County, Oregon. See our full guide to ghost towns in Columbia County County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Chapman?
William Williams Chapman (August 11, 1808 – October 18, 1892) was an American politician and lawyer in Oregon and Iowa. He was born and raised in Virginia.
What remains at Chapman today?
The on-the-ground condition of Chapman is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Chapman?
Here's the honest truth: access to Chapman is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“William W. Chapman”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Columbia County County

See all 5 ghost towns in Columbia County County, Oregon