Abandoned buildings of North Dakota & Montana
North Dakota
North Dakota, with its vast prairies and open landscapes, is dotted with abandoned houses, schools, and churches that tell a haunting story of the past. These forgotten structures are remnants of a bygone era, reflecting the rise and fall of rural communities that once thrived across the state. Over the years, changes in agriculture, economic challenges, and the migration of people to urban areas have left many towns and villages depopulated, leading to the abandonment of numerous buildings.

Abandoned Houses:
Throughout North Dakota, you can find abandoned farmhouses scattered across the landscape. These homes, often left in decay, are poignant reminders of families who once worked the land and lived off the fertile plains. The decline in small-scale farming, coupled with the mechanization of agriculture, led many farmers to leave their homes in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Inside these abandoned houses, you may find peeling wallpaper, rusting kitchen appliances, and personal belongings left behind, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called these places home. The isolation of these structures, standing against the backdrop of endless fields, creates a haunting yet captivating sight for those exploring the area.

Abandoned Schools:
Many rural schools in North Dakota have also been left to the elements. Once vibrant centers of education and community life, these one-room schoolhouses and larger school buildings have become relics of the past. As rural populations dwindled and school districts consolidated, small schools were closed, leaving behind empty buildings that slowly fell into disrepair. Walking through the hallways of these abandoned schools, you may find old desks, chalkboards with faint writing, and textbooks scattered across the floor. These schools once served as the heart of small towns, where children from farming families gathered to learn and socialize. Today, they stand as silent witnesses to a time when rural education was the cornerstone of community life.

Abandoned Churches:
Churches are another poignant aspect of North Dakota’s abandoned landscape. Many of these churches were built by early settlers, serving as places of worship and community gatherings. They were often the center of social life in rural towns, hosting weddings, funerals, and Sunday services. However, as congregations dwindled and towns were depopulated, these churches were abandoned. Some still retain their steeples, stained glass windows, and worn pews, while others are crumbling into the prairie. The sight of an old church, weathered by time yet still standing, evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the faith that once filled these sacred spaces.
Why It Happened:
The abandonment of these structures is largely due to economic shifts, especially the decline of small family farms and the migration of young people to urban centers in search of better jobs. As farming practices became more industrialized and fewer people were needed to work the land, rural communities began to shrink. Additionally, harsh winters and the isolation of the plains contributed to the difficulties of sustaining life in these areas. Over time, many towns became “ghost towns,” with only a handful of residents remaining, if any.
Photography and Exploration:
These abandoned houses, schools, and churches have become popular destinations for photographers, historians, and explorers. They offer a unique opportunity to document the passage of time and the resilience of these structures against the harsh North Dakota climate. The decaying buildings, contrasted with the vast and open landscapes, create powerful images that tell the story of the state’s rural past. However, those who choose to explore these places should do so with respect, as these buildings are often dangerous and may be privately owned.
In conclusion, the abandoned houses, schools, and churches of North Dakota stand as poignant reminders of the state’s rural history. They evoke a sense of loss but also a deep appreciation for the communities that once thrived in these now-desolate places. Whether viewed through the lens of a camera or simply explored with curiosity, these structures offer a powerful connection to the past.
Montana
Montana is a vast state with a rich history of frontier settlements, mining towns, and agricultural communities. As these communities have declined or been abandoned over time, they’ve left behind numerous churches, houses, and other structures that now stand as relics of the past. Here are five key areas in Montana where you can find abandoned churches, houses, and schools:
Ghost Towns of Bannack and Virginia City
• Bannack: Located in southwestern Montana, Bannack is one of the most famous ghost towns in the state. Founded during the gold rush in 1862, Bannack was once a bustling town. Today, it’s preserved as a state park, with many abandoned buildings, including houses, a school, and the iconic Bannack Methodist Church, which still stands as a reminder of the town’s vibrant past.
• Virginia City: Another historic mining town, Virginia City, was once the territorial capital of Montana. Although it has a mix of restored and abandoned buildings, you’ll find plenty of old houses, churches, and schools that reflect the town’s heyday during the gold rush.

Exploration Tips:
When visiting these areas, it’s important to respect private property and be aware of the dangers associated with exploring abandoned buildings, such as unstable structures and wildlife. Additionally, some of these sites may be protected as historic landmarks, so check local regulations before exploring.
In summary, North Dakota & Montana’s abandoned buildings, from churches to houses to schools, are scattered across the state, particularly in areas that were once thriving mining or agricultural communities. These locations offer a glimpse into the state’s past and are fascinating to explore for those interested in history, photography, or simply the haunting beauty of forgotten places.
We used Google maps and books to help us locate some of these places whilst others would be more challenging to find.















Cowboys
Whilst travelling thru North Dakota we stumbled across these cowboys lassoing and branding the young cattle. It immediately reminded me of one of my favourite photographs taken by Magnum photographer San Abel.I tried to photograph something similar using several techniques using people as frames, layering and moment all coming together in one photograph to tell a story. Here you can listen to Sam Abel explaining his photograph which in my humble opinion is truly fantastic.

Same Abel’s Image encapsulates everything that is great about a storytelling image with this three layered image and the two guys on the edges acting as bookends holding you in the image. Its storytelling as we can deduce what is happening as the main character holds a scalpel in his mouth with a little blood on his hands whilst the guy on the right you don’t need to see, its just his arm but it tells enough with the red bucket he holds.
The second layer adds to the story, perfectly framed showing the next stage of what happens as the young calf is brought in. The final third layer of a cowboy on horseback again perfectly framed between the two ranch handlers completes the picture.