Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · California

Sullivan

A ghost town of unknown status in Kern County, California.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

If walls could talk, Sullivan would never shut up. Lucky for visitors, they mostly just stand there. Niki Sullivan (June 23, 1937 – April 6, 2004) was an American rock and roll guitarist, born in South Gate, California. He was one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing band, the Crickets.

Kern County holds 58 documented ghost towns, including Asphalto, Desert Spring, Freeman Junction — Sullivan keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Sullivan

California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.

Niki Sullivan (June 23, 1937 – April 6, 2004) was an American rock and roll guitarist, born in South Gate, California. He was one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing band, the Crickets. Though he lost interest within a few months of his involvement, his guitar playing was an integral part of Holly's early success. He performed on 27 of the 32 songs Holly and The Crickets recorded over his brief career. He co-wrote a number of his own songs.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Sullivan 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 Sullivan 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.

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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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Sullivan FAQs

01Where is Sullivan located?
Sullivan is in Kern County, California. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Sullivan in?
Sullivan sits in Kern County, California. See our full guide to ghost towns in Kern County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Sullivan?
Niki Sullivan (June 23, 1937 – April 6, 2004) was an American rock and roll guitarist, born in South Gate, California. He was one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing band, the Crickets.
04What remains at Sullivan today?
The on-the-ground condition of Sullivan 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 Sullivan?
Here's the honest truth: access to Sullivan 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: account based on Wikipedia (“Niki Sullivan”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Kern County

All 58 ghost towns in Kern County →