Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Kansas

Jack

A ghost town of unknown status in Russell County, Kansas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Jack ghost town, Kansas
Plate I — Jack, KansasPhoto: Unknown Kansas State University (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Every ghost town is a bet that didn't pay off. Jack just shows the receipt more honestly than most. James H. Gardner (March 29, 1910 – April 9, 2000) was an American college basketball coach, known for his tenures as the head coach at Kansas State University and the University of Utah.

Russell County holds 11 documented ghost towns, including Blue Stem, East Wolf, Fay — Jack keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Jack

Kansas ghost towns are what happens when the railroad changes its mind and the wheat stops paying.

James H. Gardner (March 29, 1910 – April 9, 2000) was an American college basketball coach, known for his tenures as the head coach at Kansas State University and the University of Utah. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Born in Texico, New Mexico, Gardner was raised in southern California, and was a four-sport athlete in high school at Redlands. A graduate of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he was the captain of the Trojan basketball team and led the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) in scoring.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Jack 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 Jack 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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Jack FAQs

01Where is Jack located?
Jack is in Russell County, Kansas. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Jack in?
Jack sits in Russell County, Kansas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Russell County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Jack?
James H. Gardner (March 29, 1910 – April 9, 2000) was an American college basketball coach, known for his tenures as the head coach at Kansas State University and the University of Utah. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
04What remains at Jack today?
The on-the-ground condition of Jack 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 Jack?
Here's the honest truth: access to Jack 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 (“Jack Gardner (basketball)”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Russell County

All 11 ghost towns in Russell County →