Howell

Missouri's ghost towns run from lead diggings to river ports the railroad left behind.

Howell County is in southern Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 39,750. The largest city and county seat is West Plains. The county was officially organized on March 2, 1857, and is named after Josiah Howell, a pioneer settler in the Howell Valley. Howell County comprises the West Plains, MO, Micropolitan Statistical Area.

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

The on-the-ground condition of Howell 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 Howell 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.