Joplin

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

Joplin is an unincorporated community and former town in Prince William County, Virginia, United States. The town was located on land taken to form Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area and is now part of Prince William Forest Park, a National Park Service property located adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico. The remains of the town, now just a collection of homes, lies on a stretch of Va. 619, Joplin Road, approximately three miles west of Dumfries.

The on-the-ground condition of Joplin 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 Joplin 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 Joplin is roughly 38.5608, -77.3850 — 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.