Littleport

Iowa's ghost towns are coal camps and railroad towns in a state that farmed too well to need many of them.

Littleport is an unincorporated community and former city in Clayton County, Iowa, United States. After the Volga River flood of May 16, 1999, much of the town was destroyed and most residents moved away. At the 2000 Census, there were 26 residents. As of the 1960 Census, there had been 119 residents. There had been 139 people in 1950 and more than 200 people in 1916. The town was laid out in 1857 by Dennis Quigley and platted on May 21, 1860, but remained of little importance until the coming of the railroad in 1874. The town was not officially incorporated until 1907.

Littleport faced the water, back when rivers were highways.

The on-the-ground condition of Littleport 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 Littleport 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.

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.