Ohio is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes. But did you know that it also has a hidden ghost town that few people have ever visited?
The Story of Cheshire
Cheshire is a small town in Gallia County, Ohio, that was once a thriving community of farmers, miners, and merchants. It was founded in 1835 and named after the county in England where many of its settlers came from.
The town prospered for over a century, reaching a peak population of about 500 in the 1950s. It had a school, a church, a post office, a general store, and several other businesses. It was also home to the Cheshire Salt Works, which produced salt from the brine wells in the area.
However, things started to change in the 1960s, when a coal-fired power plant was built near the town by the American Electric Power Company (AEP). The plant emitted large amounts of sulfur dioxide, which caused acid rain and health problems for the residents of Cheshire. The plant also used the Ohio River as a cooling source, which raised the water temperature and killed the fish and wildlife.
The situation worsened in the 1990s, when the plant expanded and added a second smokestack that towered over the town. The residents complained of noise, dust, and foul odors from the plant, as well as increased rates of asthma, cancer, and other diseases. They also feared that the plant would cause a catastrophic accident or explosion that could endanger their lives.
The Buyout of Cheshire
In 2002, after years of litigation and negotiation, AEP agreed to buy out the entire town of Cheshire for $20 million. The company offered to pay each household an average of $300,000, plus relocation expenses, in exchange for their property and the right to demolish the town. The deal also included a gag order that prevented the residents from speaking publicly about the buyout or the plant.
Most of the residents accepted the offer, seeing it as the only way to escape the pollution and the uncertainty of living next to the plant. Only a handful of people refused to sell, either because they had sentimental attachments to their homes, or because they believed that the offer was unfair and inadequate.
By 2004, the town of Cheshire was almost completely deserted. AEP demolished most of the buildings, except for a few that were left standing for historical preservation. The plant continued to operate, but with stricter environmental regulations and controls.
The Legacy of Cheshire
Today, Cheshire is a ghost town that few people know about. It is not marked on most maps, and there are no signs or markers to indicate its existence. The only way to access it is by a private road that is owned by AEP and guarded by security.
The town is mostly overgrown by vegetation, and the remaining structures are decaying and vandalized. The only signs of life are the occasional visitors who come to explore the town, take photos, or pay respects to the former residents.
Some of the former residents still live in the nearby towns, while others have moved to different states or countries. They have mixed feelings about their former home, ranging from nostalgia and sadness, to anger and resentment, to relief and gratitude.
The story of Cheshire is a tragic example of how industrial development can have negative impacts on the environment and the communities. It also raises questions about the ethics and responsibilities of corporations, governments, and citizens in dealing with such issues.
Conclusion
Cheshire is a hidden ghost town in Ohio that was once a thriving community, but was bought out and abandoned by a power company due to pollution and health concerns. The town is now a forgotten and decaying relic of the past, but also a reminder of the challenges and choices that face the present and the future.