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Some destinations become famous for their attractions, spectacular scenery or historic buildings. Mustang, Texas, became famous for something entirely different.
This tiny incorporated community in Navarro County, approximately 55 miles south of Dallas, has a history involving liquor sales, political disputes, abandoned businesses and an unexpected billionaire owner.
With no residents recorded in the 2020 Census, Mustang is one of America's most unusual incorporated communities.
Although it has virtually disappeared as a functioning town, its remarkable history continues to attract curiosity.
Mustang's story began in 1973, when much of Navarro County prohibited alcohol sales.
Businessmen William “Bill” McKie and Harold “Mack” McElhenney helped establish Mustang as a separate incorporated town where alcoholic beverages could legally be sold.
On October 30, 1973, Mustang approved beer sales. In 1975, residents voted unanimously, 20–0, to permit liquor and mixed-beverage sales.
Liquor stores, a dance hall and other businesses subsequently operated in the community.
For years, Mustang attracted customers from surrounding areas where alcohol sales were restricted.
Eventually, neighboring communities relaxed their alcohol laws, eliminating much of Mustang's commercial advantage.
Mustang's population tells an extraordinary story:
Census year
Population
1980 -12
1990 - 35
2000 - 47
2010 - 21
2020 - 0
As businesses closed and residents departed, Mustang experienced financial difficulties and legal disputes over property ownership and local government.
During 2008, competing groups even claimed authority over the town government following disputed elections.
By the 2020 Census, Mustang no longer had any recorded residents.
In July 2026, local television reporting described the former community as having no functioning town council and identified the old fire station as its remaining building.
In December 2021, entrepreneur and former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban attracted international attention when his company purchased Mustang's approximately 77 acres of property.
The reported purchase price was around US$2 million.
Cuban explained that the purchase was intended to help a friend who needed to sell the property.
For a time, there was speculation that Mustang might become an unusual tourist attraction called “Dinosaur, Texas,” featuring robotic dinosaurs.
However, Cuban subsequently confirmed that the dinosaur project would not proceed.
As of July 2026, no new development plans had been publicly announced.
Long before Mustang was incorporated, the surrounding Navarro County region was part of a landscape used by Indigenous peoples.
The Texas State Historical Association identifies the Iones, Kickapoo and Comanche among the Indigenous peoples present in the wider Navarro County area during the period of European-American settlement.
Navarro County was formally established in 1846 and named for José Antonio Navarro, an important figure in Texas history and independence.
While Mustang itself has little documented Indigenous history as a modern town, its surrounding region has a much longer human story.
Today, Mustang is primarily of interest to travelers who enjoy unusual geography, disappearing communities and Texas history.
There is no established tourist district, visitor centre or collection of operating attractions within Mustang.
Visitors can appreciate the location and its remarkable story from public roads. The land is privately owned, and abandoned properties should not be entered without authorization.
Mustang's location makes it possible to combine a brief historical stop with attractions in neighboring communities.
1. Historic Corsicana
Explore Corsicana's historic downtown, independent shops, restaurants, architecture and connections to the early Texas oil industry.
2. Pioneer Village – Corsicana
Discover historic buildings, artifacts and exhibits interpreting the lives of Navarro County residents. Its collections include material relating to country music performer Lefty Frizzell.
3. Petroleum Park – Corsicana
Learn about the 1894 oil discovery that helped launch the commercial petroleum industry in Texas.
4. Pearce Museum – Corsicana
Located at Navarro College, the museum features American Civil War historical collections and artwork depicting the American West.
5. Richland-Chambers Reservoir
Enjoy fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation at one of Texas's largest inland reservoirs. Its waters support catfish, crappie and several bass species.
Mustang's original economy depended largely on alcohol sales and related roadside businesses.
As competing communities permitted alcohol sales, Mustang's commercial importance declined.
Today, most visitor services—including restaurants, shopping, accommodations and cultural attractions—are available in neighboring Angus and Corsicana.
Navarro County experiences hot summers and generally mild winters.
Summer temperatures can reach the mid-90s Fahrenheit (approximately 35°C), making spring and autumn appealing seasons for exploring the region.
Travelers should carry drinking water and take precautions during periods of intense summer heat.
Mustang has no documented dedicated pet-friendly visitor facilities.
However, travelers accompanied by dogs can explore suitable outdoor areas around Corsicana and Navarro County, subject to local rules.
James and Bugsy recommend checking leash regulations, carrying fresh water and keeping pets away from abandoned structures and private property.
Mustang was incorporated primarily to permit alcohol sales.
Its highest recorded census population was only 47 people.
Its population officially reached zero in the 2020 Census.
A company controlled by Mark Cuban purchased its land in 2021 for approximately $2 million.
A proposed dinosaur attraction never became a reality.
Despite having no recorded residents, Mustang remains identified as an incorporated community.
Mustang reminds us that every community has a story worth discovering—even a town without a single recorded resident.
What began as a tiny business opportunity became a legally incorporated community, survived decades of controversy and eventually attracted worldwide attention when a billionaire purchased its land.
Mustang may never become a major tourist destination, but its unusual history makes it a memorable chapter in the story of small-town America.
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Wikipedia – Mustang, Texas
Texas State Historical Association – Mustang
Texas State Historical Association – Navarro County
KLTV – Mark Cuban Owns a Texas Ghost Town (July 2026)
Visit Corsicana – Attractions
Texas Parks & Wildlife – Richland-Chambers Reservoir
City of Angus – Community History
Researched October 23, 2026. Population figures refer to official historical census counts; current ownership and property status may change.
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