3SOF

How can I claim abandoned land and/or mines in Washington state?
I've been looking around the web and I've found alot of abandoned land (ghost towns) and abandoned mining sites. I have had little success in finding any information on whether or not I have to buy it from the state, or if there's a grant, or if you just sign for it or what. Looking for a gemstone mine not a metal mine. Also want to know what orginization to go through to own a "ghost town".
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I think you need to find out where the land is registered, look up the owners and then contact them. I'm guessing ghost towns are owned by someone like the gov or military, I believe the gov publishes a list of abandoned property and things it has acquired for various reasons and you can buy them, the military also sells its land but probably sells through a broker.

You are a genius!