Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Texas

Shannon

A ghost town of unknown status in Clay County, Texas.

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

Shannon ghost town, Texas
Photo: Nomo / michael hoefner http://www.zwo5.de (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

State
Texas
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Shannon doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas.

Clay County holds 2 documented ghost towns, including Newport — Shannon keeps them company on the map.

The story of Shannon

Texas ghost towns run the full arc: cattle railheads, cotton towns the boll weevil broke, and oil booms that went bust.

Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas. A pioneer of avant-garde jazz, free funk, and jazz fusion, he appeared on over 50 albums as a bandleader, sideman, arranger, and producer. Jackson and bassist Sirone are the only musicians to have performed and recorded with the three prime shapers of free jazz: pianist Cecil Taylor, and saxophonists Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Shannon 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 Shannon 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.

Shannon FAQs

Where is Shannon located?
Shannon is in Clay County, Texas. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Shannon in?
Shannon sits in Clay County, Texas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Clay County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Shannon?
Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas. A pioneer of avant-garde jazz, free funk, and jazz fusion, he appeared on over 50 albums as a bandleader, sideman, arranger, and producer.
What remains at Shannon today?
The on-the-ground condition of Shannon 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 Shannon?
Here's the honest truth: access to Shannon 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 (“Ronald Shannon Jackson”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Clay County

See all 2 ghost towns in Clay County, Texas