Centralia, USA
From series “The Most Impressive Abandoned Cities on the Planet”Year: 1866.
Among the abandoned cities there are many former industrial centres which ended up unnecessary after the complete ore exhaustion. The city of Centralia was founded in 1866 in Pennsylvania near large coal deposits. Until 1962 it remained a developing and forward-looking city. But everything changed after one odd mistake. Garbage has been regularly burned in coal mines leading to a serious fire. Spontaneous combustion of immense proportions has been expanded for decades. Coal has been slowly burning right underground threatening the industrial development and the lives of inhabitants.
In 1981 a local child almost died when the ground under his feet formed a huge crack. After this incident it was decided to remove the settlers from the city. For more than thirty years Centralia has been abandoned. According to scientists, the underground combustion will remain active at least 250 years yet. So it’s very dangerous to stay on the territory of the city since mines can collapse at any time.
Re-use of this article is allowed. A valid link to www.orangesmile.com is obligatory.
Centralia - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
ATM bankomat: 'Ashland Food Mart' located in 2.38 km (
check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'B&L Chevrolet Buick' is located in 15 km (
on the map).
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
88 km - Scranton City Hall
Beautiful building in the old city hall remained in the city of Scranton. It is located in the very center of the city, at the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets. Edwin L. Walter was the chief architect who designed the building. Sandstone served as the …
From the series 'Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments'
Beautiful building in the old city hall remained in the city of Scranton. It is located in the very center of the city, at the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets. Edwin L. Walter was the chief architect who designed the building. Sandstone served as the …
94 km - Serpentine Water Park
In New Jersey, travelers will have an opportunity to visit Serpentine water park. Those who are afraid of snakes have to be careful visiting it. The main feature of this water park is a huge slide shaped as a king cobra. This design looks pretty scary. ##The height of …
From the series 'The Greatest and Fanciest Water Parks'
In New Jersey, travelers will have an opportunity to visit Serpentine water park. Those who are afraid of snakes have to be careful visiting it. The main feature of this water park is a huge slide shaped as a king cobra. This design looks pretty scary. ##The height of …
109 km - Duffy's Cut
The world’s most mystical railroad is located in Pensylvania. For many years a stretch of railroad named Duffy’s cut inspires musicians and filmmakers to create new and new masterpieces. In 1832 a railroad contractor hired 57 workers, two months later, all 57 lost …
From the series 'The Most Dangerous Railroads in the World'
The world’s most mystical railroad is located in Pensylvania. For many years a stretch of railroad named Duffy’s cut inspires musicians and filmmakers to create new and new masterpieces. In 1832 a railroad contractor hired 57 workers, two months later, all 57 lost …
114 km - Fonthill
The ancient Fonthill Castle is considered one of the most mystical and beautiful castles in the United States today. It was built in four years. The construction work was fully completed in 1912. Archaeologist Henry Mercer was the first and one of the most famous …
From the series 'Monuments of Byzantium: the most famous buildings'
The ancient Fonthill Castle is considered one of the most mystical and beautiful castles in the United States today. It was built in four years. The construction work was fully completed in 1912. Archaeologist Henry Mercer was the first and one of the most famous …
117 km - Three Stooges Museum
Three Stooges Museum can be called one of the most unusual, not only in the US but also in the world. It is also devoted to celebrities, but not to legendary singers and fashion figures. It shows the characters of The Three Stooges movie. This slapstick comedy was …
From the series 'Famous Museums of World Celebrities'
Three Stooges Museum can be called one of the most unusual, not only in the US but also in the world. It is also devoted to celebrities, but not to legendary singers and fashion figures. It shows the characters of The Three Stooges movie. This slapstick comedy was …
138 km - Independence Hall
One of the main attractions of Philadelphia is Independence Hall. That’s an outstanding architectural and historical monument. In this building in 1776 the Declaration of Independence, and later the US Constitution were signed. Construction of the magnificent …
From the series 'Famous Unesco Sites in North America'
One of the main attractions of Philadelphia is Independence Hall. That’s an outstanding architectural and historical monument. In this building in 1776 the Declaration of Independence, and later the US Constitution were signed. Construction of the magnificent …