What’s the first thing you think of when you hear ghost town? A town, long abandoned perhaps, that remains frozen in time? Maybe we can even imagine what it was like in its heyday, brimming with residents and activity. Set your imagination on fire with an autumn day trip to this Pennsylvania ghost town.
Enjoy some pretty spectacular fall colors when you visit Concrete City in Nanticoke, a ghost town that refuses to die, during the autumn.
Concrete City just wants to stick around, or at least that's how it appears. After it was left abandoned, a construction company tried to demolish it. A whopping 100 sticks of dynamite wouldn't do the job.
Maybe that's because Concrete City has a story to tell, a bit of history to share. It was built in 1911, at the turn of the 20th century, by Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W).
Once complete the complex of 20 duplexes would house some of the railroad company's employees. The 40 housing units were coveted in a company that employed more than 1,700.
However, those chosen for the housing had fairly important positions, such as foreman, at the company. The select few moved into a townhouse with an abundance of space and amenities.
Each duplex featured four bedrooms and a total of seven rooms, providing ample space for the employee and his family. All homes had a private outhouse and enjoyed heat from coal bins.
If the duplexes themselves were impressive, the complex itself was even more inviting. It offered a full menu of amenities, including a swimming pool and tennis court.
All homes were, as its name hints, made with concrete, a recipe for disaster. As condensation built inside, the homes began to suffer and decay. Concrete City lasted a mere 11 years.
Have you been to this Pennsylvania ghost town, or do you have another that you’d recommend for an autumn day trip? Let us know in the comments! For more fall fun, join a tour with Ghost Tours of New Hope.
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