Pennsylvania is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. But it also has a darker side, as evidenced by the many ghost towns that dot its landscape. These are places that were once thriving communities, but were abandoned for various reasons, such as economic decline, environmental disasters, or social unrest. Some of these ghost towns are still accessible to visitors, while others are off-limits or have been reclaimed by nature. Here are seven of the most fascinating and eerie ghost towns you must visit in Pennsylvania.
Centralia
Centralia is perhaps the most famous ghost town in Pennsylvania, and for good reason. It is the site of an underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962, creating a hellish landscape of smoke, steam, and sinkholes. The fire was caused by a trash burning that ignited a coal seam, and has proven impossible to extinguish. The town was gradually evacuated, and now only a few residents remain. Most of the buildings have been demolished or decayed, and the streets are overgrown with vegetation. The fire is expected to burn for another 250 years, making Centralia a permanent reminder of the dangers of coal mining.
Fricks Locks
Fricks Locks is a ghost town that was abandoned due to the construction of a nuclear power plant. The town was founded in the 18th century by John Frick, a German immigrant who built a canal lock and a mill on the Schuylkill River. The town prospered as a transportation hub and a farming community, until the 1960s, when the Limerick Nuclear Generating Station was built nearby. The residents were forced to relocate, and the town was left to decay. The town is now part of a historic district, and some of the buildings have been restored. Visitors can take guided tours of the town and learn about its history and fate.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a ghost town that was abandoned due to a railroad bypass. The town was founded in the early 19th century by Moravian missionaries, who named it after a Swiss city. The town was a stop on the Lehigh Canal, and later became a railroad junction. The town thrived as a coal mining and lumbering center, until the 1870s, when a new railroad line was built that bypassed the town. The town declined rapidly, and by the 1930s, it was mostly deserted. The town is now part of the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and visitors can hike or bike along the old railroad tracks and see the remains of the town.
Rausch Gap
Rausch Gap is a ghost town that was abandoned due to a flood. The town was founded in the 1820s by German immigrants, who settled in the valley of the Stony Creek. The town was a mining and logging community, and also served as a stop on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The town was hit by a devastating flood in 1889, which destroyed many of the buildings and bridges. The town never recovered, and was gradually abandoned. The town is now part of the Swatara State Park, and visitors can explore the ruins of the town and the cemetery, where many of the flood victims are buried.
Yellow Dog
Yellow Dog is a ghost town that was abandoned due to a strike. The town was founded in the late 19th century by the Yellow Dog Coal Company, which operated a mine and a coke oven in the area. The town was home to about 200 workers and their families, who lived in company-owned houses. The town was the scene of a violent labor dispute in 1906, when the workers went on strike for better wages and conditions. The company hired armed guards and strikebreakers, and a shootout ensued, leaving several people dead or wounded. The strike was eventually settled, but the town never regained its prosperity. The town was deserted by the 1930s, and the mine and the coke oven were dismantled. The town is now part of the Forbes State Forest, and visitors can see the foundations of the houses and the coke oven.
Alvira
Alvira is a ghost town that was abandoned due to a war. The town was founded in the early 19th century by William Foulke, who built a sawmill and a gristmill on the White Deer Creek. The town grew as a farming and milling community, and had a school, a church, and a post office. The town was seized by the federal government in 1942, as part of the World War II effort. The town was used as a site for an ordnance depot, where explosives and ammunition were stored and tested. The residents were evicted, and the buildings were either demolished or burned. The town is now part of the State Game Lands 252, and visitors can see the remnants of the town and the bunkers.
Concrete City
Concrete City is a ghost town that was abandoned due to a lawsuit. The town was built in 1911 by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, as a model housing project for its workers. The town consisted of 20 duplexes, made of concrete, that had electricity, plumbing, and heating. The town also had a school, a playground, and a swimming pool. The town was considered a success, until the 1920s, when the railroad faced a lawsuit from the state over the lack of a sewage system. The railroad decided to abandon the town, rather than pay for the installation of a sewer. The town was vacated by 1924, and the buildings were left to deteriorate. The town is now part of the Nanticoke Historical Society, and visitors can see the concrete houses and the graffiti that covers them.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is a state that has many ghost towns, each with its own story and charm. These ghost towns are not only relics of the past, but also attractions for the present. They offer a glimpse into the history, culture, and nature of the state, and a chance to experience the mystery and beauty of these forgotten places. Whether you are looking for adventure, education, or inspiration, you will find it in these seven abandoned ghost towns you must visit in Pennsylvania.