Leighton

Wisconsin's ghost towns are lead mines, lumber towns, and cutover country that went back to forest.

Lillianne Brown Leighton (May 17, 1874 – March 19, 1956), known professionally as Lillian Leighton, was an American silent film actress. Leighton started her career in Chicago. Leighton was born in Auroraville, Wisconsin, on May 17, 1874. She was a performer on stage and in vaudeville before she began working in films. She portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910). She was signed in 1910 and starred in over 200 films before her retirement in 1940. Leighton died in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California on March 19, 1956, at the age of 81.

The on-the-ground condition of Leighton 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 Leighton 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.