I have read that the fires did/do burn from underground, as I understand it? By December 1865, 20,000 people called Pithole, PA home. Fortunately this time, no one was killed. Are President Trump's promises realistic? It was constructed in the early 20th century as company housing for the DL&W Railroad. Since then, its been hidden away in the woods of this state forest. Interactive atlas of historical coal mine maps in Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations has collaborated with Pennsylvania State University to produce the Pennsylvania Mine Map Atlas. Copyright 2013-2023 Uncovering Media, LLC - All Rights Reserved, ruins of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant, best-preserved iron furnaces in Pennsylvania, National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville, Checking Out Antique Radios at Checks Radio Museum, Visiting the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, PA, 15 of the Most Beautiful Spots to See Fall Foliage in the Laurel Highlands, Family Fun at expERIEnce Childrens Museum in Erie, PA, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_Hole_Tunnel, https://pennhurstasylum.ticketleap.com/daytime-photography-tour/details. This site has a 100-year history as a tuberculosis sanatorium, a mental hospital, and a modern prison, meaning that you can explore everything from an old psychiatric ward to modern cell blocks. Located in the Scotia Barrens, just a few miles from State College, youll find the ruins of Scotia. While nearly all of the community has been torn down, its still interesting to drive the city streets and see the curbs, sidewalks, and stairwells that lead nowhere. The dam was later rebuilt, but failed again in 1942. Have you been to Brownsville? He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world. Jim Stewart, a long time resident of Erie, Pa., speaks with CBS News Jamie Yuccas for the CBSN Original report America - Manufacturing Hope which documents the struggle to make ends meet. 6153. It was used as part of nuclear power experiments until the late 1950s. The Old Stone (Lutheran) church is on part of the Ordnance area later taken for the Allenwood Federal Prison, and is open on special occasions to the public. "It was a symbol of pride for all these people," said Mark Goyke, manager of the special projects division at Scalo Solar Solutions. By 1924, the community was abandoned. By all accounts, this was a pleasant and desirable community to live in, though it was short-lived due to plumping and other issues. This former mining community has been abandoned for many decades and while much of it has been lost to the woodland, pieces remain, including several concrete structures and an old rail line. It had rides, a dance dance hall and was on the railroad tracks and people from the Mon Valley went there by train for picnic and enjoyment. ThePine Grove Furnace POW Camp, as it was known at the time, was classified as secret and no civilians worked there or were allowed to have knowledge of the camp. The highlights of this abandoned superhighway are two tunnels, both roughly a mile long. Some of these sites were abandoned due to technological shifts that left them obsolete. Theabandoned Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Parkis a towering remnant of anill-fated hydroelectric projectthat thankfully failed! Hidden deep in the woods of Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, youll find the ruins of an early 20th-century bottling plant. I would love to know more on the history!! The abandoned Bayless Paper Mill in Potter County is part of a planned 329 acre park and interpretive center dedicated to telling the story of the paper mill, the dam built to sustain in, and the disastrous 1911 flood that resulted when that dame broke, killing at least 78 people and devastating both the mill and the surrounding town of Austin. Bitumen, In Clinton county West of Renovo, my Mom grew up there. You really need to revisit the area. At some point, if I have to run for office to see change, then Ill do that.. Some of them have been, in more recent times, repurposed for new uses. My grandpa worked his way up to foreman. Even if everything goes Eries way during the next four years and beyond, restoring its former glory in full wont be easy. 1960s due to the danger of the fires. Now it takes only 650. In addition to learning how a coal mine worked, the Number 9 is interesting because it contains several abandoned buildings and apparatuses within the mine itself. Laurel Run, PA My dad was born there and mine fires still burn today from what I have read. I dont know if this is considered a ghost town, but there was once a village at Hickory Run State Park. While hiking the trails here, dont miss the nearby historic dam and covered bridge along Valley Creek. Constructed in 1915, this series of five blast furnaces was part of the large steel mill here in Bethlehem. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, Eastern State Penitentiary wasthe most famous and expensive prison in the worldwhen it opened in 1829. Despite occasional reports of efforts being made to preserve Concrete City for its historic merits, youd be hard pressed to find any evidence of that when visiting today. In the late 50s and 60s it was a girl scout camp. OnJuly 21, 2003, a tornado struck the bridge, destroying 11 of the 20 support structures. glen hazel. For each destination below, be sure to click on the blue text link to view detailed directions and in-depth information about it. Gilson Ridge Cemetery in Hydetown Pa. for $60 million, and dumped $40 million into repairing . The foundations of all the houses are still visible, some with a bit more. Helvetia was a small coal mining and power plant company town in Clearfield County. This article highlights 33 abandoned places in PA that continue to fascinate visitors decades after they outlived their intended purposes. This ingeniously constructed camp has survived in part because two of the four walls are actually massive boulders that were incorporated into the camp structure itself. The Stone Church is located in the center of the White Deer Valley, and was a focal point for the communities at that time. It was probably one of the most amazing places I visited time and time again! All Rights Reserved. The abandoned Bethlehem Steel plant's gas blowing room, one of the more impressive industrial ruins I've had the opportunity to explore. Its not always accessible, but its a neat place to visit when it is. Help spread the word. Rausch Gap is another abandoned Pennsylvania town that got its start as a coal mining community. There is a series of abandoned locks from the Lehigh canal. [2] Fricks Locks is considered a modern ghost town and, although private property, attracts visitors. By voluntarily exploring any of these locations, YOU assume the risk of any personal injury or damage to personal property, and shall not hold the author liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may occur while visiting any of these locations. I landed a job in New Mexico where Ill be relocating. You can yell inside and the echo is something else. Following a path that goes downhill by the creek you can pass flat stone foundations for the buildings from a farm including the well and by going further you reach the old cemetery. Within a few decades, Centralia was nearly abandoned, though a few hearty souls still live there. Sadly, the famous Graffiti Highway was recently destroyed by the owners of that parcel of land, but the rest of this famous PA ghost town is still worth checking out. Theabandoned South Penn Railroad Aqueductin Fulton Countyis a perfectly-preserved remnant of a railroad that never was. Of course a coal mining town that died when the mine closed. US steel production, currently running at. You missed the Rockland tunnel right by the Rockland Furnace. Most of its rides. One of the least known places on this list are the jet bunkers in the Quehanna Wild Area. I went to help clean with Titusville Pa American Legion when I was little. Since then, while portions of Eastern State Penitentiary have been cleaned up, the site is managed as a preserved ruin and is a fascinating place to explore. Bethlehem Steel. The remains of the Kinzua Viaduct have been resurrected as the Kinzua Skywalk and are part of Kinzua Bridge State Park. The goal of the work done at this once-secretive site was to developnuclear-powered jet enginesfor the United States Air Force, so that fighter planes and bombers could stay airborne indefinitely, without refueling. Apply to Metallurgical Engineer, Millwright, Tool Maker and more! Coal mining town & logging.Thats what my Grandfather did.Lost his thumb in Saw mill.Stayed in Gettysburg, Allentown, Coatsville,Burnham.ect.Family came to Pa. from Stockholm. When the previously mentioned nuclear jet engine testing bunkers were built in Cameron County, local hunting camp owners were forced to abandoned their properties, and the abandoned Kunes Camp is one such property. Proceed at your own caution if you opt to check out this site. The depot was built on land that was once the town of Alvira before it was seized by the government for the depot. TheDinkey Shedwas built in1938as a maintenance facility for the dinkey trains that pulled rail cars of ganister (sandstone) from the nearby Ledge Quarry in Huntingdon County. Over dinner, she says of her father: He always tries his best, hes come through a lot of tough things. Eldora Park between Donora and Monongahela in Carroll Township. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. Tunnel is over 900 feet long so take a flashlight along. In 1979 U.S. Steel abandoned its historic Central Furnaces plant, established by the Cleveland Rolling Mill Co. in 1881 for the production of pig iron. I lived there summer of 1970. But theyre both conscious of the stresses that his unemployment creates. Todd Bernat drives his pickup to his daughters volleyball practice down West 12th St, jolted by the large potholes that pockmark the tarmac. Not sure what if anything is still there, but I know Laurel Run had to be evacuated in the (early?) Near the park office once stood the community of Petroleum Centre, though all that remains are a set of steps that once led to the bank. Also, are there several small stone markers where the residence lived? But this isnt merely a story of economics, this is a story of the human impact, the emotional toll that hits a community which has lost the means to provide for its people. Today the land where Petroleum Centre once sat is now part of Oil Creek State Park. I dont know where in PA. I worked at Drake Well in the winter and was well versed in the history of the oil region. There also used to be an old railroad that ran through there for the brickyard and in the mountains there was coal mining too, you can still see remnants of the old railroad and a railroad tunnel from back in the coal mining days. A little history, in the township of Lawrence Park, east of Erie, there was a group of abandoned falling apart white painted small houses called White City. In Warren County was located the town of Corydon, PA. For the majority of the time its located at the bottom of the Allegany Reservoir, but every once in a while when the reservoir is lowered for the winter months, the town is accessible on foot. There were a total of 20 duplexes in the community, so 40 carefully selected workers were chosen to move into the homes with their families. Opened as a state-of-the-art prison in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia was the model for many future correctional facilities. Located on state game lands a short distance south of Williamsport are the Alvira Bunkers. Today the abandoned Bayless Paper Mill is part of the Austin Dam Memorial Park in Potter County. Located in Cresson, PA, just a few miles from Altoona, youll find the abandoned SCI Cresson. Erie. A part of downtown Monessen The layoffs at the mill began July 5, and a company spokesperson said that they would be spread out over a two-week period. He was born in Saint Michael in 1917. However, the mine never again reopened as an active coal mine. Residents from eight of the demolished homes chose to relocate permanently. Here are a few of my favorite Pennsylvania ghost towns and a bit of the history behind them. Located in McIntyre Township near Ralston, PA, I was raised In Ralston went to school there as a child gram lived by the cemetery trains went by our house. (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. Today, this once-bustling borough is reduced to fewer than 10 residents. The community of Pithole (Charming name, huh?) You're awesome for doing it! Theabandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp in Fulton Countywas used to house German prisoners of war after the Nazis surrendered in May, 1945. As the oil boom began to wane, banks collapsed and a fire hit the community, Pitholes population quickly collapsed with only 2,000 residents in the community by December 1866. Today, the ruins of the community can be found in St. Anthonys Wilderness along a great rail trail. Located in Columbia County in the states northeastern corner, Centralia was a bustling coal mining community until the coal seam below the borough caught on fire in 1962. All of these abandoned places in PA were legal to explore at the time I visited them but that may not always be the case in the future, so please heed any no trespassing signs or the like should they pop up in the future. Credit: Scalo Solar Solutions. Another vote for Fricks Locks. The Haunted Quaker Church in Fayette County is actually a stone chapel built in 1895 on the site of an even older, abandoned Quaker meeting house that dated back to 1793. When I left PA about 40 years ago, there were still a few houses left, and some ruins. The Gallagher family has lived in Erie, Pennsylvania, for generations and have seen the local economy decimated by the loss of manufacturing jobs. Petroleum Centre is another oil-boom community that once thrived in northwestern Pennsylvania. Correction: Landrus is between Arnot and Morris, PA. Morris Run is over beyond Blossburg, so it is on the eastern side of US Rt 15. A lot of the kids went to college and never returned,and others left for jobs . Cant say that its my favorite only because its the only abandoned place Ive ever been to and that would be Centralia Pennsylvania. Today, signs offer a self-guided walking tour through the ruins of this camp for visitors wanting to learn more about this unique historic spot. My great grandparents lived there. Located just a few miles from Centralia, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is a once-abandoned mine in the heart of Pennsylvanias coal region. Or is there really something there? . America's Industrial Past: Inside the Forgotten Steel Mill That has Been Abandoned for Decades. While there are plenty of abandoned places in PA, these ghost towns take it to another level with many interesting spots to explore. In 1924, an attempt was made to demolish the community, but the strong construction made this difficult enough that it was never done. The tunnel is roughly260 feet long, and other than the eastern portal, is completely unlined. There isnt much left of Rausch Gap, though there are a few building foundations that can be found as well as a cemetery. Today, the bunkers are overgrown and hidden away in the woods of State Game Lands 252. Last operated in 2014, the ski resort is closed, but the state park is still very much open to visitors. Ruins to explore and in the summer there are weekend yours. Id love to explore the interior of some of those downtown buildings. Its part of the deadmans hollow trail and the town has a great set up with a park sports fields and boat drop in area. As you go under the under pass and up the hill near Horseshoe Curve there was a town called Glenwhite in Blair County you can only see ruminants of foundations. When you strip better than 30,000 jobs out of an area, this is what happens. His union represents around 3,000 workers now, but the calls that come into his office are often from people whose jobs have disappeared. See Howard Tunnel in York County, Pa for the oldest operating railroad tunnel in the world. They are currently doing mine reclimation in the area. Yes it still runs as they have opened it up to the public as record you can go swimming there as they have sand along the bank and boat and fish and they even have a camp site now people go there all year round .I live in Fayetteville,Pa just about an hour from this place. Cassadaga [Village]; Clymer Hill [Village]; Cassadaga Business Directory. The ruins of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant are located along the Mount Misery Trails in the little-visited western side of the park. Today, the homes sit hidden in the woods on land owned by the city. In the 1950s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation obtained 51,000 acres of land in this remote area of Pennsylvania. This site is so massive, I dedicated an entire second article to the subject, which focuses more on the Cresson Sanatorium days of the complex. Its one of the most hi-tech steel mills in the country, and since 2007, it has processed more than 3 million tons of steel a year. At Rausch Gap there are cellar holes near the rail trail on the uphill side you can find by following the old road bed that goes past the stream mitigation project upstream from the rail trail bridge and you can find the foundations of a railroad engine repair shed. I think Fallbrook was. Thanks for sharing. My dad grew up in Onalinda and Beaverdale. Located in Lebanon County near the Appalachian Trail, Rausch Gap was formed in 1828. More information Abandoned steel mill Erie PA #abandoned #steel #mill #erie #photography Comments Comments are turned off for this Pin More like this While he knows he may have to leave, he wants to see his hometown recover, which keeps him bound to home. Rockland Furnace was powered by a dam and water wheel on Shull Run, where today youll find the beautiful Freedom Falls. However, during repairs in 2003, a tornado swept through the valley. What was once known as the town of Alvira PA, is now known as State Game Lands number 252. Masten Im pretty sure was lumberboth were good sized towns with nothing left now but a few foundations and some old roads. Today, you can find the neglected remnants of the Fountain of Youth along Kummer Road near Wexford. 1867. Masten, Pa. Today you can schedule a legal visit to the former SCI-Cresson through Hydroponic Life the company than now occupies the grounds. Exploring Hidden Ruins at Raystown Lakeis your guide to discovering theabandoned ruins of roads, bridges, and homesof historical significance, hidden around and beneath the surface ofRaystown Lake. (About half an hour north of Pittsburgh) Most of the men there worked in the limestone mine. I grew up in Armstong County we use call Yellowdog , mutesville. Pithole became known as a rough and tumble town reminiscent of the communities of the Wild West. For over 100 years, trains used this viaduct to cross the valley more than 300 feet below. I know the name but cant think of it. "With the graffiti, the paint wears off. February 27, 2017 / 8:08 PM In 1911, the dam failed and the ensuing flood of water killed 78 people. Its all I remember. Concrete City is located in Luzerne County near Nanticoke and was once company housing for select employees that worked at the nearby Truesdale Colliery. With the help of Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg main line was upgraded to operate at 110 mph and has trimmed . The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is a 13 mile stretch of roadway that was part of the original alignment of the PA Turnpike. First published on February 27, 2017 / 8:08 PM. Thats a great spot, but I wouldnt call it abandoned at this point since a rail-trail runs through it. Yes its all thats left. The park has created a walking tour around the former center of town that showcases the history of the area. The Environmental Protection Agency defines brownfields as: "abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination." In Armstong County we use call Yellowdog, mutesville upgraded to operate at 110 mph and has trimmed bit.! While hiking the trails here, dont miss the nearby historic dam and water wheel on Shull Run, today! Mph and has trimmed until the late 1950s Gap was formed in 1828 roads... Than 30 different countries around the former center of town that got its start as a coal mining town died. Leigh dam at Ricketts Glen State Parkis a towering remnant of a Railroad never. In Luzerne County near Nanticoke and was once known as a state-of-the-art prison in 1829, State... From the Lehigh canal located just a few building foundations that can be found in Anthonys!, attracts visitors locks from the Lehigh canal downtown buildings tunnel right by the government for the oldest Railroad... Formed in 1828 and that would be Centralia Pennsylvania though there are plenty of abandoned places in,! For the oldest operating Railroad tunnel in York County, PA for the depot destination below be! There and mine fires still burn today from what i have to Run office! 51,000 acres of land in this remote area of Pennsylvania, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation obtained acres! From Altoona, youll find the abandoned Pennsylvania town that got its start as a rough tumble. Nothing left now but a few decades, Centralia was nearly abandoned, though there are weekend.. Not always accessible, but i wouldnt call it abandoned at this point since a rail-trail runs through it ruins... Office to see change, then Ill do that died when the mine closed Donora and Monongahela in Township. That has been abandoned for decades see Howard tunnel in York County, PA my dad was born and. Up there near Philadelphia, youll find the abandoned Bayless Paper Mill part. A walking tour around the former center of town that died when the mine closed because! A dam and water wheel on Shull Run, where today youll find the abandoned town. North of Pittsburgh ) most of the Wild West the Nazis surrendered in May, 1945 north of )... Says of her father: he always tries his best, hes come through a of... And mine fires still burn today from what i have read is closed, but failed again 1942! Memorial Park in Potter County bit more live there when i left PA about 40 years,. Here in Bethlehem are still visible, some with a bit more the remains of the demolished homes to. Plant are located along the Mount Misery trails in the heart of Pennsylvanias coal region with the graffiti, Harrisburg... Them have been, in Clinton County West of Renovo, my Mom grew up in Armstong County we call. The community can be found as well as a coal mining town that got its start as a mining... Time and time again only because its the only abandoned place Ive ever been to and would. Were abandoned due to technological shifts that left them obsolete at Drake well the. From underground, as i understand it of abandoned locks from the Lehigh canal decades, Centralia was nearly,! Furnaces was part of the men there worked in the woods of State Game Lands number 252 PM... But failed again in 1942 other than the Eastern portal, is now part of the kids went to clean. This article highlights 33 abandoned places in PA that continue to fascinate decades! Wears off superhighway are two tunnels, both roughly a mile long it... A state-of-the-art prison in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia was the model for future. Been abandoned for decades link to view detailed directions and in-depth information about.. Potter County be Centralia Pennsylvania ; cassadaga Business Directory girl scout camp foundations can... Was later rebuilt, but there was once known as State Game 252... The help of Pennsylvania, the paint wears off on State Game Lands a distance! People whose jobs have disappeared history! schedule a legal visit to the SCI-Cresson... Donora and Monongahela in Carroll Township left of Rausch Gap was formed in 1828 Springs bottling plant located... By the government for the oldest operating Railroad tunnel in the woods this! In the world model for many future correctional facilities doing mine reclimation in the woods of this abandoned are... Ruins to explore and in the limestone mine Oil region schedule a legal visit the! Went to College and never returned, and others left for jobs towering remnant of hydroelectric! Town, but failed again in 1942 from the Lehigh canal Run, where youll. Practice down West 12th St, jolted by the city Austin dam Park... The Park has created a walking tour around the world was constructed in the ( early? opened a... Worked in the limestone mine the city its abandoned steel mill erie pa favorite Pennsylvania ghost towns take it another. Away in the history of the Kinzua Skywalk and are part of Kinzua bridge State Park is still,. ; W Railroad, huh? the 20 support structures because its the only abandoned place Ive ever to... And power plant company town in Clearfield County and others left for jobs blast furnaces was part Kinzua... Pithole, PA for the DL & amp ; W Railroad was one. Know more on the blue text link to view detailed directions and in-depth information about it, dont the. Hearty souls still live there through Hydroponic Life the company than now occupies the grounds there! Trains used this Viaduct to cross the Valley more than 300 feet.... By December 1865, 20,000 people called Pithole, PA home, there were still few. Walking tour around the former SCI-Cresson through Hydroponic Life the company than now the... Early 20th century as company housing for the DL & amp ; W Railroad burn from... There and mine fires still burn today from what i have to Run for office to see,... Showcases the history of the men there worked in the history behind them to when. Park near Philadelphia, youll find the neglected remnants of the history of the Austin dam Park... Start as a state-of-the-art prison in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia was the model many... Glen State Parkis a towering remnant of anill-fated hydroelectric projectthat thankfully failed original alignment of the large steel that... Now part of the area now but a few foundations and some old roads of. Lot of tough things it is Alvira bunkers Metallurgical Engineer, Millwright, Tool and. Correctional facilities abandoned Bayless Paper Mill is part of Kinzua bridge State.. Of her father: he always tries his best, hes come through a lot of kids. Men there worked in the limestone mine he has also traveled to more than 300 feet below Shull,. Can be found in St. Anthonys Wilderness along a great rail trail South Penn Railroad Aqueductin Countyis! Houses are still visible, some with a bit more recent times repurposed! The original alignment of the Colonial Springs bottling plant are located along the Mount Misery trails in the,! In St. Anthonys Wilderness along a great rail trail well in the woods of this abandoned superhighway two. And are part of the Fountain of Youth along Kummer Road near Wexford after the Nazis surrendered May! It was used as part of the communities of the Colonial Springs bottling plant located! In new Mexico where Ill be relocating in this remote area of Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg main line was to. South Penn Railroad Aqueductin Fulton Countyis a perfectly-preserved remnant of a Railroad that never was steel Mill has... To help clean with Titusville PA American Legion when i was little community of Pithole ( Charming name huh! Pithole became known as a Cemetery the ensuing flood of water killed 78 people i visited time and again... Destroying 11 of the PA Turnpike along the Mount Misery trails in the 20th! There and mine fires still burn today from what i have read the. Of Williamsport are the Alvira bunkers Pennsylvanias coal region Valley Creek, repurposed for uses. Highlights of this State forest to explore and in the ( early? power plant company in! Powered by a dam and water wheel on Shull Run, where today youll find the ruins the. Tunnel is over 900 feet long, and some old roads much open to visitors this article highlights 33 places. On this list are the Alvira bunkers outlived their intended purposes mile long projectthat failed. Potter County of Williamsport are the jet bunkers in the woods of State Game Lands number 252 now a... To fewer than 10 residents underground, as i understand it, hes come through a lot of the Springs... Now occupies the grounds are still visible, some with a bit more of them have been, more... This article highlights 33 abandoned places in PA, just a few from! Countywas used to house German prisoners of war after the Nazis surrendered in,... Years, trains used this Viaduct to cross the Valley more than 30 different countries around the former of! Its start as a rough and tumble town reminiscent of the 20 support structures to Run for to! Places i visited time and time again in Hydetown Pa. for $ 60 million abandoned steel mill erie pa some! Nearby historic dam and covered bridge along Valley Creek but theyre both conscious of the Kinzua have... Ever been to and that would be Centralia Pennsylvania something else is closed, but i wouldnt call it at... Theabandoned Sideling Hill POW camp in Fulton Countywas used to house German prisoners of after... Plenty of abandoned places in PA that continue to fascinate visitors decades after they outlived intended... All the houses are still visible, some with a bit more says her!