The Eerie, Abandoned Ruins Of Lock 19 Are Perched On A Riverbank In West Virginia

Perched on the banks of the mighty Ohio River in West Virginia is a relic of days gone by - one of the last remaining ruins of the old lock-and-dam system that used to run from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Designed to keep the level of the Ohio River from seasonal fluctuation so that ships could sail these waters year-round, the lock-and-dam system was replaced by concrete dams. Now, this massive complex is one of the most impressive, eerie abandoned ruins in West Virginia.

Lock Number 19 in Washington, West Virginia has outlived its usefulness.

Decades ago, the old system of locks and dams used on the Ohio River was abandoned.

Now this structure sits alone and in ruins near Washington, West Virginia's public boat ramp.

Broken windows stare like empty eye sockets out at the surrounding landscape.

A turret built to house a giant water tank towers over the trees.

Graffiti covers every reachable surface inside these abandoned, ruined brick walls.

The entry level of this structure was used as living quarters for the caretaker of the lock-and-dam; the upper floors were used to house equipment.

Most of the piping and machinery is gone now, but two huge metal water tanks are still left, testaments to a bygone era.

This is a building that has definitely seen better days; the view out many of these old windows, however, still can't be beat.

Since Lock No. 19 sits on public land, anyone is able to come carefully explore this historic relic.

Youtube user Appalachian Exploration toured the entire Lock 19 complex, plus the surrounding acreage, a few years back.

The footage this user posted documenting the experience is a fantastic way to experience these abandoned West Virginia ruins for yourself, even if you can make a trip to Washington, West Virginia anytime soon.

Have you explored West Virginia's Lock 19, perched as it is on the banks of the Ohio River in silent, eerie sentinel? For more footage of abandoned ruins in West Virginia, try this article.