Clarkson

Iowa's ghost towns are coal camps and railroad towns in a state that farmed too well to need many of them.

James Sullivan Clarkson (May 17, 1842 – May 31, 1918), sometimes known by the nickname "Ret Clarkson", was an American politician and newspaper editor. He helped establish part of the Underground Railroad in Iowa. He was an editor of the Iowa State Register. He was a leader in the Republican Party from the 1860s into the 1890s. He was surveyor of the Port of New York from 1902 to 1910.

The on-the-ground condition of Clarkson 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 Clarkson 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 Clarkson is roughly 41.5003, -93.4527 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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.