Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Illinois

Shasta

A ghost town of unknown status in Alexander County, Illinois.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

The map remembers Shasta long after the crowds moved on. The Shasta Costa (also known as the Chasta Costa, Shastacosta, Chastacosta, Shastao-Skoton, Shista-Kkhwusta or Shistakwasta) are a Native American tribe, one of Lower Rogue River Athabascan tribes from southwestern Orego

Shasta is the lone documented ghost town in Alexander County — for now.

The story of Shasta

Illinois ghost towns cluster around the old lead district and the coal fields that fed Chicago.

The Shasta Costa (also known as the Chasta Costa, Shastacosta, Chastacosta, Shastao-Skoton, Shista-Kkhwusta or Shistakwasta) are a Native American tribe, one of Lower Rogue River Athabascan tribes from southwestern Oregon, who originally lived on the Rogue River and its tributaries, or, more precisely, on the "Lower Illinois River and the Rogue River between present-day Agness and Foster Bar." They spoke Shasta Costa dialect of Tututni (also known as Lower Rogue River Athabaskan) language. They were classified as Rogue River Indians for the purposes of treaty negotiation.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Shasta 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 Shasta 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.

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.

Shasta FAQs

Where is Shasta located?
Shasta is in Alexander County, Illinois. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Shasta in?
Shasta sits in Alexander County, Illinois. See our full guide to ghost towns in Alexander County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Shasta?
The Shasta Costa (also known as the Chasta Costa, Shastacosta, Chastacosta, Shastao-Skoton, Shista-Kkhwusta or Shistakwasta) are a Native American tribe, one of Lower Rogue River Athabascan tribes from southwestern Oregon, who originally lived on the Rogue Riv
What remains at Shasta today?
The on-the-ground condition of Shasta 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.
Can you visit Shasta?
Here's the honest truth: access to Shasta 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.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Shasta Costa”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Alexander County

See all 1 ghost towns in Alexander County, Illinois