Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Kansas

Jackson

A ghost town of unknown status in Decatur/Linn/Smith County, Kansas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Jackson ghost town, Kansas
Plate I — Jackson, KansasPhoto: TheCatalyst31 with modifications by Kbh3rd (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Jackson doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Jackson County is located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 717,204.

Jackson is the lone documented ghost town in Decatur/Linn/Smith County — for now.

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The story of Jackson

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

Jackson County is located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 717,204. making it the second-most populous county in the state (after St. Louis County in the east). The county seats are Independence and Kansas City, making Jackson County one of 33 U.S. counties with more than one county seat. The county was organized December 15, 1826, and named for former Tennessee senator Andrew Jackson, who would become President of the United States three years later in 1829.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson is roughly 39.0100, -94.3400 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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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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Jackson FAQs

01Where is Jackson located?
Jackson is in Decatur/Linn/Smith County, Kansas, mapped near 39.0100, -94.3400.
02What county is Jackson in?
Jackson sits in Decatur/Linn/Smith County, Kansas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Decatur/Linn/Smith County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Jackson?
Jackson County is located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri, on the border with Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 717,204. making it the second-most populous county in the state (after St. Louis County in the east).
04What remains at Jackson today?
The on-the-ground condition of Jackson 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 Jackson?
Here's the honest truth: access to Jackson 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 Jackson is roughly 39.0100, -94.3400 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Jackson County, Missouri”), CC BY-SA.

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