Thurber, unincorporated community in Erath County, Texas, United States (near the Palo Pinto county line), located 75 miles west of Fort Worth
Thurber is a former coal-mining and industrial town in Erath County now known as a ghost town. It consists of scattered ruins including the old company store, residences, and a prominent smokestack that mark where a busy early 20th-century mining community once operated.
Founded in 1886, the town quickly became one of Texas's major coal-mining centers with up to 10,000 residents at its peak. After oil was discovered nearby and trains shifted to oil fuel, the economy changed and coal mines declined, eventually leading to the town's abandonment.
The town's name reflects its coal-mining origins, and its layout shows how workers and families lived in a company-controlled community. The close arrangement of buildings and remaining structures reveal the shared life of miners from many countries who made this place their home.
The site lies about 75 miles west of Fort Worth and is accessible from nearby roads. Wear comfortable shoes for walking among the ruins, and allow time to explore the layout of the former mining town at your own pace.
Thurber was the first town in Texas to have all its electricity needs met, featuring modern conveniences like electric lighting and running water. A brick factory produced durable bricks that can still be seen today on streets in Austin and Galveston.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
