Ghost Town In The Sky was conceived by businessman R. B. Coburn, who was inspired to build a park with a western theme after visiting several ghost towns in the American West.  In 1960, Coburn purchased Buck Mountain near Maggie Valley as the sight of his town, and construction began in September of 1960. Over two hundred locals were hired to construct the 40 replica buildings that comprised the Western Town, which is located at the Mountain’s peak.  A double incline railway was also constructed to bring its passengers to the entrance of Ghost Town, located at over 3300 feet up the mountainside.  The park opened in May of 1961, and since then new rides and attractions have been added throughout the years. 

Ghost Town has attracted millions of guests throughout the country, with its attendance peaking well over 400,000 visitors annually in the early seventies.