Quay

Oklahoma's ghost towns got it from both sides — oil booms that built them overnight and the Dust Bowl that emptied them.

Quay is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located on the boundary line between Pawnee and Payne counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 47 at the 2000 census, when it was still a town; the community disincorporated on August 23, 2000. No population was recorded in the census of 2010. But the 2020 Census recorded 39 persons.

The on-the-ground condition of Quay 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 Quay 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 Quay is roughly 36.1597, -96.7089 — 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.