Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Texas

Shannon

A ghost town of unknown status in Clay County, Texas.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Shannon ghost town, Texas
Plate I — Shannon, TexasPhoto: Nomo / michael hoefner http://www.zwo5.de (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Shannon doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas.

Clay County holds 2 documented ghost towns, including Newport — Shannon keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Shannon

Texas ghost towns run the full arc: cattle railheads, cotton towns the boll weevil broke, and oil booms that went bust.

Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas. A pioneer of avant-garde jazz, free funk, and jazz fusion, he appeared on over 50 albums as a bandleader, sideman, arranger, and producer. Jackson and bassist Sirone are the only musicians to have performed and recorded with the three prime shapers of free jazz: pianist Cecil Taylor, and saxophonists Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Shannon 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 Shannon 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 Shannon is roughly 33.4740, -98.2589 — 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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Shannon FAQs

01Where is Shannon located?
Shannon is in Clay County, Texas, mapped near 33.4740, -98.2589.
02What county is Shannon in?
Shannon sits in Clay County, Texas. See our full guide to ghost towns in Clay County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Shannon?
Ronald Shannon Jackson (January 12, 1940 – October 19, 2013) was an American jazz drummer from Fort Worth, Texas. A pioneer of avant-garde jazz, free funk, and jazz fusion, he appeared on over 50 albums as a bandleader, sideman, arranger, and producer.
04What remains at Shannon today?
The on-the-ground condition of Shannon 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 Shannon?
Here's the honest truth: access to Shannon 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 Shannon is roughly 33.4740, -98.2589 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Ronald Shannon Jackson”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Clay County

All 2 ghost towns in Clay County →