Ghost Towns in Edwards County, Illinois

Edwards County, Illinois, is home to 5 documented ghost towns — a concentrated dose of boom-and-bust history in a single county. The Midwest's ghost towns grew around lead and coal mining, river trade, and early railroads, then emptied as industry consolidated. The names to know include Lexington, Mills Prairie, Palmyra, Piankashawtown, Wanborough.

On-the-ground conditions here are largely unverified, so treat this county guide as a launchpad for your own research. Access details are thin across this group, so research each town before setting out. Every town below gets its own full guide — with maps, visitor notes, and FAQs.