Thompson Springs or just Thompson is an abandoned town established in the 1880s in Grand County, Utah. The town which served as a major railroad station is now deserted with its old structures and buildings disheveled and crumbled beyond recognition.

The birth of Thompson Springs

Thompson Springs began in 1883 when Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad passed through the town. It got its name as well as its post office name from E.W Thompson who lived near the springs. He also operated a nearby sawmill. The town which was mainly farmers and ranchers gained popularity and importance when coal was discovered in the Sego Canyon. Mining of coal began right away which later led to the construction of the Ballard and Thompson railroad. Thompson Springs experienced major development to accommodate the surplus of travelers coming through the town.

Importance of Thompson Springs

Thompson Springs was the community center for the region in those days. Farmers and ranchers used the town to ship their cattle and farm produce. It was the only and prominent shipping point of the whole region and most neighboring towns and counties used it (preferred it).

What led to Thompson Springs Fall?

Thompson Springs's downfall began when Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad was replaced by the Amtrak railroad. Amtrak, which was the official National railroad in the country, took over much of the operations in the town, shutting down D and RGW passenger trains. A new stop station was constructed 40km in Green River. This killed all the economic development of Thompson Springs. Residents at the town were compelled to seek settlements in the neighboring towns leaving Thompson deserted (Miners at Sego Canyon also left when it closed).

What remains of Thompson Springs?

After Amtrak travelers stopped their operations when Thompson's station closed in 1994. Ever since the once flourishing town remains a total reject. Homesteads and business buildings in the town are now ruins that have remained to be an eyesore.

Is Thompson town open to the public?

Thompson town is open to the general public to visit and learn more about the town. Thompson Rock Art District that holds art and marks of the former tribes that ever lived in the region is a good spot for art lovers to learn one or two things about the archaic art of the heyday.