Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Quinlan. Quinlan is an unincorporated community in Woodward County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Quinlan had a population of 28.
Quinlan is the lone documented ghost town in Woodward County — for now.
The story of Quinlan
Oklahoma's ghost towns got it from both sides — oil booms that built them overnight and the Dust Bowl that emptied them.
Quinlan is an unincorporated community in Woodward County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Quinlan had a population of 28. It is located on what was the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, 9 miles (14 km) east of Mooreland. Quinlan began as a small agricultural community, and is old enough to appear on a 1911 Rand McNally map of the county.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Quinlan 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.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Quinlan 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 Quinlan is roughly 36.4561, -99.0458 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
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.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Quinlan FAQs
01Where is Quinlan located?
02What county is Quinlan in?
03What is the history of Quinlan?
04What remains at Quinlan today?
05Can you visit Quinlan?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Quinlan, Oklahoma”), CC BY-SA.
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