Montana and North Dakota - May 2023

Originally inspired by Tony and Eva Worobiec's famous book 'Ghosts in the Wilderness, 2003' and their subsequent book ‘Abandoned on the Plains: Fragments of the American Dream, 2016,' I had long ago made up my mind to visit this vast landscape. Tony was my GCSE Art teacher and one of those teachers who struck a chord with me, inspiring me to do better. My late father also knew Tony through the local camera club, which I joined in 2005; with the hope of improving my photography skills. During one of the camera club evenings, Tony presented images from his book, and I subsequently purchased a copy from him. Fast forward many years later, and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity to visit the area through Aspect2i arose, and I eagerly jumped at the chance.

The vast expanse of the American West is a treasure trove for adventurers and photographers alike. Montana and North Dakota, two states rich in history and natural beauty, offer a unique opportunity to delve into the forgotten past through capturing hauntingly beautiful images of abandoned buildings and cars.

So why does this area exhibit such a high degree of abandonment? I heard that it's a combination of factors, including the Homestead Act, the revised Homestead Act, the Great Depression, generational separation, and the influence of railroad companies.

To understand the abandoned structures scattered across the plains of Montana and North Dakota, we must look back to the Homestead Act of 1862. This pioneering legislation granted individuals the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of public land in exchange for living on and improving the property. As settlers flocked to these vast territories, small communities sprouted up; often centred around the homesteads. Lots of the abandoned buildings encountered today are remnants of this once-thriving way of life.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the influence of railroad companies played a significant role in the development and subsequent abandonment of many areas in Montana and North Dakota. As part of the westward expansion and development of the railroad network, the government granted land to railroad companies to encourage the construction of rail lines. These land grants often involved alternate sections of land along the proposed railway route. Railroad companies, in turn, sold or leased the land they acquired from the government to settlers, immigrants, and speculators. This facilitated the growth of towns and communities along the rail lines, as access to transportation was crucial for economic development. Railroad companies, eager to expand their networks and increase profits, lobbied the government for the Enlarged Homestead Act 1909. This act aimed to open up more land for settlement, but it also introduced new challenges. The revised act allowed for larger land acquisitions, encouraging bigger agricultural operations and industrialised farming. Industrialised farming also brought with it need for the latest farm machinery.

The homesteaders who ventured into Montana and North Dakota faced immense challenges as they sought to establish their livelihoods on the vast plains. In their pursuit of a new beginning, many homesteaders relied on banks to secure loans for essential farm machinery. These loans provided them with the necessary tools to cultivate the land, plant crops, and build their homes. However, these financial arrangements often carried significant risks, as unpredictable weather conditions and fluctuating crop prices made it challenging for homesteaders to repay their debts. The struggles faced by these early settlers and their dependence on loans for farm machinery highlight the determination and resilience required to carve out a living in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Small farmers struggled to compete, leading to the consolidation of land and the abandonment of smaller homesteads.

The Great Depression of the 1930s dealt a severe blow to the agricultural communities of Montana and North Dakota. As the nation grappled with economic collapse, many farmers on the Plains faced drought, soil erosion, and plummeting crop prices. Unable to sustain their livelihoods, families were forced to leave their homes, businesses, and ultimately dreams behind. The abandoned buildings and cars that dot the landscape serve as poignant reminders of this extra ordinary difficult era.

Over the years, the rural areas of Montana and North Dakota have experienced a steady decline in population as younger generations seek opportunities in more urbanised regions. The allure of city life, coupled with economic and technological advancements, has led to the abandonment of once-thriving communities. Today, these ghost towns evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy; inviting photographers to capture the beauty in their decay.

For photographers drawn to the ‘attraction’ of abandonment, Montana and North Dakota offers a wealth of subjects. The crumbling facades of forgotten homesteads, weathered barns standing against the vast prairie backdrop, and rusted vehicles swallowed by the earth create a visual feast of textures, colours, and possible narratives.

By capturing these images, photographers have the power to immortalise the stories of the past and shed light on the human conditions. During my visit to Montana and North Dakota, I had the privilege of meeting families who still maintain a deep connection to this land. As I explored and photographed these abandoned areas, these families graciously stopped, shared their experiences, and told me their stories. Their narratives provided a rich tapestry of history, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit. Through our photographs, we have the opportunity to honour their stories, preserving them for future generations and gaining a deeper understanding of the profound impact that these abandoned places have had on the lives of those who once called this land their home.

I hope that my images, if nothing else, provoke emotions and encourage observers to take a moment to ponder the many fascinating stories behind them. Through photography, we have the power to capture the essence of a place and evoke a sense of connection with the past. These abandoned places hold within them the echoes of lives lived, dreams pursued, and struggles faced. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey, and I hope that my photographs inspire contemplation and a profound appreciation for the captivating stories woven into these evocative scenes.