Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Arkansas

Brownsville

A ghost town of unknown status in Lonoke County, Arkansas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Brownsville doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. The Battle of Brownsville was fought on August 25, 1863, near what is now Lonoke, Arkansas, between Union forces led by Colonel Washington Geiger and Confederate troops under Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke.

Lonoke County holds 3 documented ghost towns, including Austin, Old Austin — Brownsville keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Brownsville

Arkansas ghost towns are lead and zinc mines, timber towns, and railroad stops in the Ozarks and the Delta.

The Battle of Brownsville was fought on August 25, 1863, near what is now Lonoke, Arkansas, between Union forces led by Colonel Washington Geiger and Confederate troops under Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke. Union forces commanded by Major General Frederick Steele were advancing from Helena, Arkansas, towards Little Rock, the state capital of Arkansas. Confederate Major General Sterling Price ordered cavalry led by Marmaduke and Brigadier General Lucius M. Walker to Brownsville in response to the Union advance.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Brownsville 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.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Brownsville 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. The mapped point for Brownsville is roughly 34.8153, -91.8794 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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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.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Brownsville FAQs

01Where is Brownsville located?
Brownsville is in Lonoke County, Arkansas, mapped near 34.8153, -91.8794.
02What county is Brownsville in?
Brownsville sits in Lonoke County, Arkansas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Lonoke County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Brownsville?
The Battle of Brownsville was fought on August 25, 1863, near what is now Lonoke, Arkansas, between Union forces led by Colonel Washington Geiger and Confederate troops under Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke.
04What remains at Brownsville today?
The on-the-ground condition of Brownsville 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.
05Can you visit Brownsville?
Here's the honest truth: access to Brownsville 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. The mapped point for Brownsville is roughly 34.8153, -91.8794 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Battle of Brownsville, Arkansas”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Lonoke County

All 3 ghost towns in Lonoke County →