Pennsylvania, a state rich in industrial and innovative heritage, has a secret side that consists of a number of abandoned locations that seem to be whispering tales of a bygone era.
These abandoned locations, which were once teeming with activity, now serve as silent reminders of time’s passing. Come along with us as we explore the eerie beauty of Pennsylvania’s deserted landscapes by moving into the shadows.
Camp Michaux
Surprisingly, the remains of a former World War II prisoner of war camp may be discovered deep within the Michaux State Forest. While thousands of POWs were held hostage there in the 1940s, the camp ran entirely covert.
Even though there aren’t many remnants left, a closer inspection reveals some ancient prisoner carvings in the cement as well as additional concrete buildings that the surrounding forest has engulfed.
There’s a concrete dam further along the trail that was built entirely by German prisoners of war. There is very little mobile reception in this region of the state, so be sure to note your location since many of the trails overlap throughout the property.
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Bunkers of Alvira
The Alvira Bunkers, which are now a part of State Game Land 252, are nearly imperceptible to the uninitiated eye. During World War II, these were munition bunkers, where bombs and ammunition were kept.
The government required a safe location to store highly explosive weaponry in the early 1940s, so they chose the area around the town of Alvira because of its accessibility and sparse population.
Ironically, despite being swiftly built, more than 150 bunkers were never utilized. Though the hamlet of Alvira has nearly vanished, these bunkers are an enduring feature of the surrounding area.
This is probably Pennsylvania’s most explosive abandoned site, but regrettably, no boom sticks were ever found there.
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Abandoned PA Turnpike
In western Pennsylvania, miles and miles of two-lane highway and tunnels are now overgrown, largely forgotten. However, how did this come about?
The narrow route was unable to handle the increasing number of cars on the streets. Daily traffic grew so heavy on the route that it began to back up for miles and even cause accidents.
The state constructed Route 76, the new, contemporary turnpike that is still in use today, to counter this. With the roadway becoming bigger, more vehicles could cross the state at a much faster pace. Everyone was utilizing the new Turnpike in no time at all. The previous one was shut down for the safety of drivers.
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Carrie Blast Furnace
Standing just off the Monongahela River is a gigantic, rusting monolith that contributed to the forging of the metal that constructed the surrounding area.
The factory provides a unique window into the methods used to make iron before World War II. This is one of the most visited abandoned locations in Pennsylvania since the furnaces are truly a national landmark.
One cool feature of this location is that it’s open for legal visits and photography, which makes it a great spot to start if you’re new to the hobby of urban exploration.
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Westinghouse Atom Smasher
The primary goal of the Westinghouse Atom Smasher was to initiate the development of nuclear technology for the purpose of producing electricity.
Built in 1937, this 65-foot-tall, pear-shaped building served as the world’s first Van de Graaff generator, assisting in the discovery of uranium fuel and photofission.
Regretfully, the building was abandoned when the project was completed in the late 1950s. As time passed, the building’s degradation had rendered it dangerous.
To prevent the smasher from collapsing on its own, construction workers utilized a crane to tip it onto its side. The atom smasher is now free to be explored when it is lying on its side.
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To Conclude
The remarkable look into Pennsylvania’s complex past can be found at its abandoned sites. These abandoned locations serve as reminders of human ambition and inventiveness, from the eerie whispers of Camp Michaux to the breathtaking size of the Carrie Blast Furnace.
Pennsylvania’s abandoned treasures offer a unique experience for history buffs and urban explorers alike. Keep in mind that visiting deserted areas can be risky.
Always do your homework in advance, put safety first, and show consideration for the landowners. For those who dare to seek them out, Pennsylvania’s abandoned wonders await with a little preparation and prudence.
