Posted in Philadelphia September 23, 2017 by Kim Magaraci

The Abandoned Town Near Philadelphia That Most People Stay Far, Far Away From

In 1962, a coal mine fire began burning in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. By the 1980s, the cracking ground and smoldering soil had chased most of the residents away from Centralia, the town built over the mine. The town, once full of life, quickly became nearly abandoned. It was bought by the state of Pennsylvania and condemned in 1992. Even the zip code was discontinued. To this day, people flock to the area today to observe one of the creepiest places in the United States.

Centralia was once a busy mining town with around 2,000 residents.

After the mine fire spread underneath the city in the 1980s, the town's population fled.

The ground here smokes and smolders, as the fire continues to rage on to this day.

The inferno, which has burned continuously for decades, has turned Centralia into a ghost town.

Centralia has been called the creepiest place in America; in fact, it's so spooky that the video game and movie Silent Hill was based on the town.

The most famous spot in the town is the cracked, steaming Graffiti Highway (also known as Rainbow Road).

If you decide to visit Centralia, be cautious. Aside from the obvious fact that the fire is still actively burning, most of the city is on private property and you will be fined for trespassing.

For more information, check out our previous article about this unusual disaster in Centralia.

Centralia is located just about two hours northwest of Philadelphia, in Columbia County. If you’d rather stay nearby and explore creepy places within the city, you’ll love these 7 Cemeteries Around Philadelphia That Will Give You Goosebumps

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