Terlingua Ghost Town Ruins Destroyed by Vandals

A state historical site has been wrecked by vandals, and the senseless act could threaten the economy of a small Texas town.

The Houston Chronicle reports that four, 125-year-old stone ruins were found destroyed Sunday morning in Terlingua, an old mining town with a population of roughly 60 people about 8 miles northwest of Big Bend National Park.

These old dry stone buildings are such a window on the past. 💛 #terlinguaghostown #terlingua #stone #desert #terlingua #texas #rvliving #rvlifestyle #rvlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #rollinghome #nomads #navion

A post shared by Hazel (@bluebird_hazel) on Feb 10, 2017 at 5:46am PST

The ruins were the only remaining above-ground structures left from the original quicksilver mining settlement built in the 1880's. They were a draw for tourists and the center of Terlingua's economy.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Terlingua was once featured in a National Geographic segment entitled "The Terlingua Way".

Aerial footage of the town shows a beautiful landscape, but without the ruins, it's unclear if the town could draw visitors.