Elko Tract

Virginia's ghost towns layer colonial-era settlements, Civil War casualties, and coal camps in the western counties.

Elko Tract is a 2,220-acre (9 km2) tract of land in Henrico County, Virginia. It was the site of a decoy airfield during World War II, and was later used for bombing practice. It was later partially developed as an African-American mental hospital, but that project was abandoned. It was sometimes referred to as a ghost town, but was never an actual town. It is currently the site of several industrial buildings.

Little stands at Elko Tract today beyond foundations and scattered traces. Foundation-only sites reward visitors who enjoy reading a landscape — bring an old plat map or historic photo if you can find one, and the vanished streets start to reappear.

Access here is restricted, so confirm the current rules with the managing agency or landowner before you go. Showing up unannounced is the fastest way to get turned away.

Contact the managing agency or landowner first to learn the current access rules for Elko Tract.

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.

The ground itself demands respect: open mine shafts, collapsing floors, and old wells hide in tall grass, cell service is often nonexistent, and help can be hours away. Tell someone your plans, pack more water than you think you'll need — and save the early morning or late afternoon light for your camera.

Want the full story? The Wikipedia article on "Elko Tract" covers Elko Tract in more depth — find the link in Sources below. County archives, historic newspaper collections, and the state historical society are the next stops after that: plat maps, census rolls, and old photographs fill in what a short visit can't. If you make the trip, consider sharing your photos and notes — firsthand reports are how the record of Elko Tract gets better.