This Abandoned Town in New York Will Give You the Creeps

New York is a state full of history, culture, and diversity. But it also has a darker side, where some towns have been left to decay and rot. These ghost towns are the remnants of failed dreams, disasters, and tragedies that haunt the landscape. One of these eerie places is Tahawus, a twice-abandoned mining town that will give you the creeps.

The Rise and Fall of Tahawus

Tahawus, which means “cloud-splitter” in the Native American language, was originally a village in the Adirondack Mountains. It was founded in 1826 as a mining town, where iron ore was extracted from the nearby mountains. However, the ore was of poor quality and the mining operations were not profitable. The town was abandoned in 1857, after only three decades of existence.

But Tahawus was not forgotten. In 1940, a new company, National Lead, discovered a large deposit of ilmenite, a mineral used for making titanium, under the old town. They decided to revive the mining industry and relocate the village to a nearby site. The new Tahawus was a modern and prosperous town, with a school, a hospital, a post office, and a railroad. It employed hundreds of workers and supported the war effort during World War II.

However, the good times did not last. In the 1960s, the demand for ilmenite declined and the mining operations became less profitable. The company decided to shut down the mine and the town in 1963, leaving behind a huge open pit and a ghost town. The residents were forced to move out and find new homes elsewhere.

The Remains of Tahawus

Today, the old Tahawus is a ghost town, with only a few structures still standing. The most prominent one is the McIntyre Blast Furnace, a 50-foot tall structure that was used to smelt the iron ore. It is a historical landmark and a popular attraction for visitors who want to explore the industrial past of the town. Inside the furnace, one can see the remains of the machinery and the firebricks that lined the walls.

Other buildings that can be seen in the town are the old schoolhouse, the post office, and some houses. Most of them are in a state of decay and disrepair, with broken windows, peeling paint, and collapsing roofs. Some of them are fenced off or marked with “No Trespassing” signs, as they are unsafe or privately owned. The town is also littered with debris, such as rusty pipes, metal scraps, and mining equipment.

The new Tahawus is also a ghost town, but in a different way. It is still inhabited by a few people, mostly caretakers and security guards, who work for the company that owns the land. The town has no public services, no shops, no schools, and no entertainment. It is a quiet and isolated place, where the only sounds are the wind and the wildlife.

The Mystery and Mystery of Tahawus

Tahawus is not only a ghost town, but also a haunted town. According to some stories, the town is still home to the spirits of the people who lived and died there. One of the most famous ghosts is David Henderson, the head of the first mining company, who was allegedly killed by an angry worker in 1845. Some say that he still roams the town on his horse, looking for revenge or justice.

Other ghosts that are said to haunt the town are the miners who died in accidents or diseases, the children who played in the streets, and the soldiers who trained there during the war. Some visitors have reported hearing voices, footsteps, laughter, or screams in the town. Others have seen apparitions, shadows, or lights in the buildings. Some have even felt cold spots, touches, or pushes from unseen forces.

Tahawus is also a town full of mystery and intrigue. The town has a rich and fascinating history, involving Native Americans, settlers, industrialists, and soldiers. The town has also been involved in some controversies and conspiracies, such as the assassination attempt on President Roosevelt in 1901, the secret uranium mining during the Cold War, and the environmental impact of the mining activities. The town has many stories to tell, if one is willing to listen.

Conclusion

Tahawus is a ghost town that will give you the creeps, but also the curiosity. It is a place where the past and the present collide, where the natural and the supernatural coexist, and where the beauty and the horror contrast. It is a place that invites exploration, discovery, and imagination. It is a place that you will never forget.

Leave a Comment