Cromwell

Oklahoma's ghost towns got it from both sides — oil booms that built them overnight and the Dust Bowl that emptied them.

Cromwell is a town in Seminole County, Oklahoma, United States. It is within the jurisdiction of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The population was 238 at the time of the 2020 census. It was named for oilman Joe I. Cromwell, who platted the original town in 1923. The population soared to several thousand people in a few weeks, and lawlessness was rampant in the community. Retired legendary Old West lawman Bill Tilghman was hired as Town Marshal to restore order. Tilghman was shot to death the following year, the most notable event in Cromwell's history.

Cromwell sold the one thing the country around it didn't have: water.

The on-the-ground condition of Cromwell 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.

Here's the honest truth: access to Cromwell 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.

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.