Sampsel

Missouri's ghost towns run from lead diggings to river ports the railroad left behind.

Sampsel Township is a township in Livingston County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Sampsel Township was established on July 22nd, 1874, taking its name from the community of Sampsel, Missouri. Settlements in this township date back to as early as 1834. The unofficial name for this township was "Lost Township" due to the original surveys made of it being lost when the surveyor died.

The on-the-ground condition of Sampsel 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 Sampsel 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 Sampsel is roughly 39.8300, -93.7300 — 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.