Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Illinois

Griffin

A ghost town of unknown status in Clark County, Illinois.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

There's a particular quiet you only find where a town used to be. Griffin has it. James Aloysius Griffin (February 27, 1883 – August 5, 1948) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois from 1924 until his death in 1948.

Griffin is the lone documented ghost town in Clark County — for now.

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The story of Griffin

Illinois ghost towns cluster around the old lead district and the coal fields that fed Chicago.

James Aloysius Griffin (February 27, 1883 – August 5, 1948) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois from 1924 until his death in 1948.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Griffin 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 Griffin 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.

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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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Griffin FAQs

01Where is Griffin located?
Griffin is in Clark County, Illinois. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Griffin in?
Griffin sits in Clark County, Illinois. See our full guide to ghost towns in Clark County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Griffin?
James Aloysius Griffin (February 27, 1883 – August 5, 1948) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois from 1924 until his death in 1948.
04What remains at Griffin today?
The on-the-ground condition of Griffin 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 Griffin?
Here's the honest truth: access to Griffin 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.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“James Aloysius Griffin”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Clark County

All 1 ghost towns in Clark County →