Marmarth: badlands of the Slope County
Abandoned Ghost Town in Marmarth, North Dakota, United States
Feb 09 2022
| Recent status | Abandoned |
| Location # | 18383 |
History of Marmarth: badlands of the Slope County
The town of Marmarth was established at the beginning of the 1900s when the Seattle to Chicago railroad reached the region. Even though the town was established by the railroad's existence, it never relied on the railroad activities for economic development. The residents were also involved in small-scale mining and cattle keeping. The town had a population of over 1000 people by the 1920s with social amenities like the post office, hospital, theater, stores, schools, hotels, and many other amenities. This made it the largest and most developed town on the Milwaukee railroad. During the town’s prime time, no one knew that it would be deserted and disowned over time.
Marmarth town commonly referred to as the Badlands of the Slope County in North Dakota is one of a kind ghost town. The town which was established mainly from railroad activities in the area was disowned years later and is currently decaying in despair. Marmarth town is called the Badlands due to a series of unfortunate events that occurred occasionally in the town.
The downfall of the town
Marmarth town did well over the years until after World War I, when agriculture which was the key determinant in the survival of Marmarth declined. Effects of World War I combined with the worldwide economic decline contributed to the fall of the already economically distressed town. A further change in climate and the closure of the railroad at the town in the late 1930s (when steam locomotives were replaced) caused more damage to the economy of the town. Residents left the town and by the 1940s only ten percent of the original population remained.
Ghost of Marmarth
In its heyday, Marmarth was known to be the worst of the old west towns hence the name ‘’Badlands’’. The region was not dominated by gangs and thieves but rather deaths out of unclear circumstances were common in the town. The high number of deaths led to many unsettled spirits lurking around. These mysterious deaths were believed to be the cause of aspirations and abnormal occurrences in the abandoned town. Though it has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the stories and ghostly activities may be fictional stories that people tell to get people to the town.
How is Marmarth today?
Today less than 10 residents are living in the town. Most of the stores and business premises were closed and abandoned. The government recognized the town existence but no government resources were directed to the town. The town which cannot be turned into a historic site or state park yet because of the residents who still reside in the area is used majorly by archeologists and paranormal investigators. Several historical remains like dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Marmarth. Marmarth Historical Society and Marmarth research foundation conduct field study and research in the area. One can also visit the town at his or her convenience for it is open to the general public.
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