Butteville isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Butteville is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Marion County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 273. It is part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Marion County County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Champoeg, Coe, Jawbone Flats — Butteville keeps them company on the map.
The story of Butteville
Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.
Butteville is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Marion County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 273. It is part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Butteville 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 Butteville 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 Butteville is roughly 45.2556, -122.8347 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
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.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Butteville FAQs
01Where is Butteville located?
02What county is Butteville in?
03What is the history of Butteville?
04What remains at Butteville today?
05Can you visit Butteville?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Butteville, Oregon”), CC BY-SA.
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