Quick Facts
- State
- Oklahoma
- County
- Pontotoc County
- Status
- Unknown Status
- Access
- Unknown Access
- Coordinates
- Not recorded
Some ghost towns feel like museums. Francis feels like an interruption — a place that stopped mid-sentence. Francis Clement Kelley (October 23, 1870 – February 1, 1948) was a Canadian-born Catholic bishop. He was the second Bishop of Oklahoma City, as well as an author and diplomat.
Pontotoc County holds 2 documented ghost towns, including Center — Francis keeps them company on the map.
The story of Francis
Oklahoma's ghost towns got it from both sides — oil booms that built them overnight and the Dust Bowl that emptied them.
Francis Clement Kelley (October 23, 1870 – February 1, 1948) was a Canadian-born Catholic bishop. He was the second Bishop of Oklahoma City, as well as an author and diplomat. He was a Catholic priest for 54 years, and bishop for 23 years.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Francis 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 Francis 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.
Francis FAQs
Where is Francis located?
What county is Francis in?
What is the history of Francis?
What remains at Francis today?
Can you visit Francis?
Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Francis Kelley”), CC BY-SA.