Pennsylvania Ghost Towns: Uncovering the Hidden Past

by Susan Hutchison Tassin

Cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and roads to nowhere are all that remain of several once-thriving towns in Pennsylvania. This guidebook profiles 46 locations that have been abandoned or left to ruin, and some that have seen new life as historic sites, with discussions on their history, daily life, fall, and current condition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Local History, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2007

Reviews

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local history is one of my favorite topics. I'm also firmly of the opinion that the places you grew up become a part of you. As a son of Pennsylvania who grew up near a ghost town, this book had an obvious appeal to me. More of a travel reference than a sit-down-and-read-through book, this is a fun introduction to many of Pennsylvania's forgotten places. It doesn't attempt to be comprehensive, and it does have many interesting stories of what happened in places that used to exist.

As I mention on my blog (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World), one of the things that stands out to me is how many planned communities existed in my native state. These are locations that were being exploited for their natural resources, and their demise is a parable for all of us. Another interesting aspect is the number of places that were formed as religious communities. Again, their disappearance speaks volumes. I'm not sure that abandoned forts really count as ghost towns—Pennsylvania has far too many of them to fit that category.

Arranged by region, this little book covers a lot of territory. One regret that I had was it often painted Native Americans as hostile aggressors. It's too easy to forget that all this land in the United States, let alone Pennsylvania, belonged to them. Once I got beyond that, this was a very enjoyable, quick book to read. It will give travels some good ideas of places to explore. After all, where we are from does matter.

[PearlDoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Fascinating Look into the Forgotten Areas of Pennsylvania, most of which were built by Immigrants or Colonizers, about their ups and downs of how they were Built, and what caused them to be... well, ghosted. The Author offers an Informative Blend of History, Storytelling, and Local Lore.

The descriptions of abandoned towns and their past residents are vivid and engaging. It’s a cool read for anyone who enjoys regional history or hidden-gem travel ideas, and whenever I decide to Travel in the Future, I would like to go to one or more of these Towns!

[Michael Cawley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories of PA Ghost Towns

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Around the Year in 52 Books 2017 Reading Challenge. Past suggestion that did not win - A book set in the place (state) you are from.

This book interested me because my Aunt Doris and Aunt Jane were born in Masten, one of the towns mentioned in this book. Also, the town of Celestia was located very near Eagles Mere, my home town and I have heard of French Azilum. I realize that in many cases there is nothing left, but I do wish the author had included photos where something does remain. Also, I know that there is more information available about both Masten and Celestia.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers that photographs, illustrations and/or maps would've been a welcome addition -- however, it was an interesting read and would be best appreciated by PA residents or those familiar with the commonwealth.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject matter of this book is highly interesting - to me, anyhow. The author provides brief histories of various abandoned towns throughout Pennsylvania, the current status of the town, and how one can find the remains of the town. My biggest problem is the lack of photographs or illustrations; the author tries so hard to describe the makeup of towns or architecture of buildings (or what is left), but a photograph would be such a better representation of these things.

[Devina Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read if you're looking for ghost stories, there aren't many. However, if you can derive pleasure from imagining the ghosts of ambitions, failures, love and sorrow that are found in abandoned homesteads, this is the book for you. I especially like the detailed directions to each town, and the breakdown of regions.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contrary to what the title my suggest, this book is not about paranormal activity. It tells the story and history of many little towns that used to exist in Pennsylvania and are no longer there. The book gives a brief story for each town and tells what remains to this day. It was an easy read and included directions to these places for those wanting to see them.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about Pennsylvania towns that have disappeared into history. Many of the towns were new to me, (including one that was once located only about 45 minutes from where I live now) but many I already knew about including Pithole, once considered one of the most notorious cities in America, and Centralia, a small mining town forced to move because of an underground mine fire.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting collection of history regarding different towns that appeared, thrived, and then disappeared in PA. I have already visited several and feel the author did justice to those places.
My only complaint is the lack of images and a map of where the locations are in PA.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at a variety of PA ghost towns and what remains of them. I really like how the author included clear directions on how to visit the sites. Well researched.

[Mandy Helfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, very well-edited, very well-researched. Despite living in Pennsylvania, I learned many things I did not know, even about a ghost town that is near where I've lived my whole life.