Thistle, located in Utah County, was once a thriving railroad and farming village before tragedy struck in 1983. A gigantic landslide buried the town and turned it into a drowned wasteland. The disaster resulted in astronomical expenditures, topping $200 million in damages and relocation charges, making Thistle the most costly ghost town in Utah.
A History of Thistle
Thistle was founded in the late 1800s along the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, and its name comes from the abundance of thistle plants in the region. As a vital railroad junction with a roundhouse, depot, and hotel, Thistle developed as a farming hub, with inhabitants cultivating crops and raising cattle in the rich valley. By the early 1900s, it had a population of 600 and a thriving economy, complete with schools, churches, businesses, and social events.
However, the town’s fortunes declined in the 1920s with the growth of vehicle and truck transportation, resulting in the closure of several enterprises and a decrease in population. By the 1980s, Thistle had become a ghost town, with just a few dozen residents remaining.
The Tragedy of Thistle
In April 1983, a disastrous mix of snowmelt and rainfall caused a massive landslide that blocked the Spanish Fork River and railroad tracks. This natural calamity created a dam and buried Thistle beneath a rapidly growing lake with water levels reaching up to 200 feet and encompassing 65 acres. Flooding prompted the evacuation of the remaining population and disrupted transportation and communication networks, resulting in severe damage and environmental risks.
Declaring a federal emergency, the government and train company embarked on an expensive project, investing more than $200 million to strengthen the dam, replace infrastructure, and relocate residents. Despite efforts to mitigate the disaster’s effects, Thistle was ultimately abandoned.
The Aftermath of Thistle
Today, Thistle is forgotten, owned by the state of Utah, and closed to the public for safety reasons. Trespassing is prohibited. Despite its dangerous state, Thistle is a poignant reminder of the town’s history and the power of nature. While inaccessible to tourists, it stands as a tribute to Utah’s past and should be remembered and respected. Thistle is a melancholy yet captivating place, echoing its previous existence within the serene landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thistle, once a thriving railroad and farming hamlet, came to a tragic end in 1983 when a massive landslide submerged it beneath a lake. The catastrophe forced the town’s abandonment, resulting in nearly $200 million in losses and relocation costs. Thistle is now inaccessible, yet it serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s power and the transience of human achievements, echoing its history in the tranquil environment of Utah County.