Ohio is a state with a rich and fascinating history, but also a dark and mysterious one. Among the many legends and urban myths that surround the Buckeye State, there is one that stands out for its eerie and tragic nature: the story of the abandoned cemetery in Helltown.
What is Helltown?
Helltown is the nickname given to the former village of Boston, located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The village was founded in 1806 and was one of the oldest settlements in Summit County. However, in 1974, the federal government decided to create a national park in the area and used eminent domain to acquire the land and force the residents to leave. Many of the houses and buildings were boarded up and left to decay, creating a ghost town that attracted curiosity seekers and thrill seekers alike.
Why is it called Helltown?
The name Helltown was not given by the original inhabitants, but by the outsiders who visited the place and heard or witnessed strange and frightening things. Some of the stories that circulated about Helltown included:
- A church with upside-down crosses that was used by Satanists for rituals and sacrifices.
- A school bus that was haunted by the ghosts of children who were killed by a serial killer or a cult.
- A chemical spill that caused mutations in the wildlife and the people who stayed behind, such as the infamous Peninsula Python, a giant snake that roamed the woods.
- A road that led to the end of the world, where a hearse would chase away anyone who dared to enter.
Of course, most of these stories have been debunked or explained by rational means, but that did not stop the imagination of the people who visited Helltown and spread the rumors.
What happened to the cemetery?
One of the most disturbing and mysterious aspects of Helltown is the cemetery that lies near the center of the town. The cemetery dates back to the early 19th century and contains the graves of some of the first settlers of the area, as well as some Native Americans who lived there before them. The cemetery is also the site of some of the most terrifying tales of Helltown, such as:
- The grave of a witch who was buried alive and whose spirit still haunts the place.
- The grave of a child who was born with horns and a tail and whose father killed him and buried him in a secret location.
- The grave of a man who was cursed by a Native American shaman and whose corpse would rise from the dead every night.
Again, these stories are most likely fabricated or exaggerated, but they have contributed to the creepy atmosphere of the cemetery and the town.
What is the current state of Helltown?
In 2016, the National Park Service decided to demolish most of the remaining structures in Helltown, including the church, the school bus, and some of the houses. The reason for this was to prevent vandalism, trespassing, and fires, as well as to restore the natural landscape of the park. However, some of the buildings were spared, such as the town hall, the general store, and the cemetery. These buildings are now part of the historical and cultural heritage of the park and are open to visitors who want to learn more about the history of the area.
Conclusion
Helltown is a place that has fascinated and terrified generations of Ohioans and beyond. Its story is a mix of fact and fiction, of history and legend, of beauty and horror. It is a place that reflects the complex and diverse nature of Ohio, a state that has seen both glory and tragedy, both progress and decline, both hope and fear. Helltown is a place that deserves to be remembered, not only for its spooky stories, but also for its rich and unique past.