Ghost Towns Near Pittsburgh
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Western Pennsylvania, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered – ghost towns near Pittsburgh. These remnants of the past offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and provide a unique and eerie experience for adventurous souls. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the best ghost towns near Pittsburgh. From abandoned mining communities to forgotten oil boomtowns, each ghost town has its own tale to tell. So, grab your sense of adventure and let’s delve into the forgotten realms of Pennsylvania’s past.
Centralia: The Eternal Flame
Our first stop takes us to the infamous ghost town of Centralia. Located in Columbia County, Centralia was once a thriving coal mining community. However, in 1962, disaster struck when a coal seam caught fire, resulting in an underground mine fire that still burns to this day. As the flames consumed the town, the residents were forced to flee, and Centralia was left abandoned. A few resilient souls still call Centralia home, despite the eerie landscape and the constant plumes of smoke rising from the ground. Exploring the city streets, you’ll come across remnants of its past – curbs, sidewalks, and stairwells leading to nowhere. Although the famous Graffiti Highway, a popular attraction, has been recently destroyed, Centralia remains a haunting reminder of the consequences of a burning underground inferno.
Pithole: The Rise and Fall of the Oil Boom
Moving on, our journey takes us to Pithole, a ghost town that witnessed the rise and fall of the oil boom in Pennsylvania. Founded in May 1865 after the discovery of oil nearby, Pithole quickly transformed into a bustling community. At its peak, more than 20,000 people called Pithole home, and the town boasted over 50 hotels, three churches, the world’s first oil pipeline, a newspaper, a theater, and a railroad. However, as the oil boom subsided, banks collapsed, and fires ravaged the town, Pithole’s population dwindled rapidly. By 1870, less than 250 people remained in the once-thriving community. Today, Pithole lies as an empty field near Oil Creek State Park, its history preserved in a visitor center that offers a glimpse into the short-lived glory of this oil boomtown.
Wehrum: A Glimpse into the Coal Mining Era
Our next destination leads us to Wehrum, a ghost town hidden within the woods of Pennsylvania. Wehrum was once a flourishing coal mining community, named after the president of the Westmoreland Coal Company. The town had all the necessary amenities to support its residents, including a school, post office, company store, and even a movie theater. However, as the coal industry declined, Wehrum fell into decline as well. Today, the ruined remains of this once-thriving town can be discovered by intrepid explorers. Walking through the overgrown paths, you can still see the remnants of houses and buildings, providing a haunting reminder of Wehrum’s past.
Eckley: A Well-Preserved Coal Town
Continuing our exploration, we arrive at Eckley Miners’ Village, an eerily well-preserved coal town that was saved from destruction by a Sean Connery movie. This living history museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life as a coal miner in the late 19th century. The village provides a glimpse into the hardships and struggles faced by the mining community, with restored buildings, exhibits, and guided tours. As you wander through the streets of Eckley, you can almost hear the echoes of the miners and their families, making it a poignant reminder of the region’s industrial past.
Frick’s Lock: A Modern Ghost Town
While not that close in proximity to Pittsburgh, rather on the other side of Pennsylvania, our next stop takes us to Frick’s Lock, a modern ghost town that was abandoned due to the growth of nuclear power. Located in Pottstown, Frick’s Lock was once a thriving village with a vibrant community. However, as plans for a nearby nuclear power plant progressed, the residents were forced to leave, and the town gradually became deserted. Today, Frick’s Lock stands as a haunting reminder of what once was, with empty houses and overgrown streets. Exploring this modern ghost town offers a unique perspective on the impact of industrial progress and the displacement of communities.
Bunkers of Alvira: A Village Seized by the Government
Heading a little closer to Pittsburgh, in central PA, we arrive at the Bunkers of Alvira. Over 100 concrete munitions bunkers are all that remain of the Pennsylvanian village that was seized by the US government. During World War II, the government acquired the land to establish a munitions depot. Once the war ended, the village was left abandoned, and the bunkers now stand as a haunting testament to the area’s military history. Exploring the area, you can wander among the massive concrete structures, each holding its own secrets and stories of the past.
Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Road to Nowhere
Our journey takes a turn towards an abandoned stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, deteriorating next to the operational highway. While not actually a ghost town, this forgotten section of road offers a unique experience for urban explorers and adventure seekers. As you traverse the dark tunnels and crumbling pavement, you can almost feel the echoes of the cars that once traveled this road. The eerie atmosphere and the sense of isolation create a captivating experience, making the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike a must-visit ghostly destination.
Ghost towns near Pittsburgh remind us of the rich history and forgotten tales that lie hidden within these abandoned communities. From the eternal flames of Centralia to the remnants of oil boomtowns like Pithole, each ghost town offers a unique perspective on Pennsylvania’s industrial past. Exploring these forgotten places allows us to connect with the stories of the people who once called them home and serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors. So, if you’re ready to step off the beaten path and delve into the forgotten realms of Pennsylvania’s past, these ghost towns near Pittsburgh await your discovery.
