Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · West Virginia

Mahan

A ghost town of unknown status in Fayette County, West Virginia.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Mahan ghost town, West Virginia
Plate I — Mahan, West VirginiaPhoto: Unknown (PD-US) via Wikimedia Commons

Mahan doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Walter Everett "Red" Mahan (June 23, 1902 – May 10, 1990) was an American football player. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926 NFL season.

Fayette County holds 59 documented ghost towns, including Ames, Bachman, Beury — Mahan keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Mahan

West Virginia's ghost towns are coal company towns, owned outright by the mine and abandoned the same way.

Walter Everett "Red" Mahan (June 23, 1902 – May 10, 1990) was an American football player. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926 NFL season. Mahan won the 1926 NFL championship with the Yellow Jackets. Prior to playing in the NFL, Mahan played college football at West Virginia University. While at West Virginia he was a four-year letterman during which time the Mountaineers lost only three games. In 1922, Mahan helped West Virginia to a 10–0–1 record.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Mahan 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 Mahan 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 Mahan is roughly 38.0250, -81.3550 — 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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Mahan FAQs

01Where is Mahan located?
Mahan is in Fayette County, West Virginia, mapped near 38.0250, -81.3550.
02What county is Mahan in?
Mahan sits in Fayette County, West Virginia. See our full guide to ghost towns in Fayette County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Mahan?
Walter Everett "Red" Mahan (June 23, 1902 – May 10, 1990) was an American football player. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926 NFL season. Mahan won the 1926 NFL championship with the Yellow Jackets.
04What remains at Mahan today?
The on-the-ground condition of Mahan 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 Mahan?
Here's the honest truth: access to Mahan 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 Mahan is roughly 38.0250, -81.3550 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Walter Mahan”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Fayette County

All 59 ghost towns in Fayette County →