United States

Centralia: The ghost town of Silent Hill that will burn for 250 years

Deep in the coal-mining region of Columbia County, Pennsylvania lies a ghost town unlike any other—a smoldering inferno beneath the ground that has turned a once-thriving community into a modern-day wasteland. Centralia, PA, is a haunting destination for dark tourism enthusiasts, and its eerie landscape draws curious visitors from around the globe. With its mysterious Old Highway 61, the ghostly Odd Fellows Cemetery, and connections to pop culture like the movie Silent Hill, Centralia it is an abandoned ghost town that I spent the day exploring; a ghost town that’s sitting atop of a raging underground mine fire that caused the town’s evacuation (almost) overnight.

The Origin of the Fire: A Fatal Spark

In May 1962, Centralia was just another coal-mining town in Pennsylvania, home to about 1,400 residents. That changed when an underground coal seam caught fire during an attempt to burn trash at a landfill. The blaze quickly spread to a nearby coal seam, igniting an unstoppable fire fueled by the mines below.

The town co-existed with the mine fire for some time while the government tried to find a solution to the disaster.  It wasn’t until conditions became hazardous, forcing the local gas station to close and a young boy falling into a sinkhole that forced the government to take action.

Mine fire ventilation monitoring pipe

By 1984, the government authorized the relocation of the remaining residents to nearby towns, and the remaining structures destroyed. Oddly, the infrastructure (roads and sidewalks) were left in-tact; all you see are remnants of a town that used to exist.

Despite multiple efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire continued to spread. Residents began to leave, and by 1992, the state of Pennsylvania claimed eminent domain, evicting the remaining residents and demolishing most of the buildings.

Centralia, PA from a drone

In 2002, the US Post Office revoked Centralia’s zip code, and today fewer than five people remain (down from its peak of 2,400 residents in the 1940’s), clinging to their homes in defiance of the creeping inferno beneath their feet.

The Eternal Fire: Why It Can’t Be Stopped

Fueled by an estimated 25 million tons of coal, the fire is projected to burn for at least another 250 years. The flame heat has caused cracks in the ground, releasing toxic gases like carbon monoxide. These conditions make Centralia a barren ghost town and an enduring reminder of the consequences of industrial accidents, similar to the Lapindo Sidoarjo Mud Volcano.

A Haunted Landscape: Old Highway 61 and Odd Fellows Cemetery

While the town doesn’t technically exist, it is very much still a dark tourism destination for many people.

Old Highway 61, also known as the “Graffiti Highway,” is one of the most iconic remnants of Centralia. Once a busy stretch of road, it was closed in 1993 due to ground instability caused by the fire. Old Highway 61 is pretty easy to miss the first time you visit. Park at the cemetery, and you’ll see a curve in the road and small dirt berm. Walk around it, and you’re now on old highway 61.

Centralia’s Highway 61

Over the years, visitors have transformed the abandoned highway into a sprawling canvas of vibrant graffiti. The first thing you’ll notice is the graffiti artists’ love with penises, and the thousands spray painted everywhere.

Continuing a few hundred yards down the road and you’ll begin to see surface cracks and [maybe] steam.  Old Highway 61 is slowly collapsing from the intense heat of the underground mine fire eroding the road underlayment and ultimately causing the stability of the land to begin to slump.

In April 2020, the owner of the property began covering the road with dirt to deter visitors from trespassing on private property.

On a nearby hill, on the East side of Highway 61 lies the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The cemetery is open to the public as an unofficial tribute to both the people who called Centralia home, and the town that tragically died with them.

Shrouded in mist, the cemetery feels like a scene from the movie Silent Hill. Visitors often report an eerie silence broken only by the occasional hiss of steam escaping from the ground. The cemetery’s proximity to the fire has fueled legends of ghostly sightings, adding to the town’s mystique.

Centralia and Silent Hill: A Town That Inspired Horror

Centralia’s legacy extends beyond its eerie streets and smoldering ruins; it partially inspired the 2006 horror movie Silent Hill. While the film’s fictional setting is in West Virginia, Centralia’s abandoned appearance, ominous fog, and ever-burning fire served as key inspirations. Fans of the film often visit Centralia to experience its unsettling atmosphere firsthand, drawn by the parallels between the ghostly town and the haunted streets of Silent Hill.

The Future of Centralia: A Town Consumed by Fire

Centralia’s story is far from over. The fire continues to burn, slowly consuming the coal seams beneath what remains of the town. Vegetation in the area has adapted in bizarre ways, with some plants thriving in the warm, toxic soil. Meanwhile, sinkholes and ground collapses serve as stark reminders of the fire’s relentless power.

Centralia offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking a glimpse into a dystopian landscape. However, the area is not without risks—unstable ground, toxic fumes, and legal restrictions on trespassing make exploring Centralia a venture for the cautious and prepared.

Visiting Centralia: What You Need to Know

CURRENT WEATHER

overcast clouds (-10 C / 14 F)

AIR QUALITY

Good (26)

GPS COORDINATIONS

40.8037, -76.3409

HIGH SEASON (MOST EXPENSIVE)

May – September

LOW SEASON (LEAST EXPENSIVE)

October – April

TIME SPENT

1-3 Hours

LOCAL CURRENCY

United States Dollar (USD)

CLOSEST AIRPORT

ABE

  • How to Get There: Centralia is located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia. Use Route 61 as your primary access point.
  • What to Bring: A mask to filter sulfuric odors, sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, and water to stay hydrated in the heat.
  • Respect Local Laws: While much of Centralia is abandoned, some areas remain private property. Trespassing on the covered Graffiti Highway or occupied homes is prohibited.
  • Safety First: Stick to stable ground and avoid venturing near steam vents or cracks, as toxic gases and extreme heat pose significant dangers.

Centralia’s Dark Tourism Uncensored

Throughout the years, government agencies installed ventilation pipes to help monitor the progression of the mine fire. Unfortunately, these geniuses didn’t realize that the same ventilation pipes used to monitor the fire’s progression also provided oxygen to keep the fire raging.

Centralia, PA, stands as a stark reminder of humanity’s impact on the Earth and the consequences of industrial oversight. The ghostly streets, fiery underbelly, and eerie landmarks create an experience that is chilling and awe-inspiring. For those fascinated by dark tourism and obscure disaster sites, Centralia offers a glimpse into a world where nature and negligence collide, leaving behind a smoldering ghost town that will burn for centuries to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Centralia?

Yes, Centralia is almost completely abandoned with only a few structures remaining in addition to the local cemeteries.

Is Silent Hill a real town?

Silent Hill is a fictitious town in the 2006 psychological horror film Silent Hill. The inspiration for Silent Hill cam from the tragic events of Centralia, Pennsylvania.

Where is Silent Hill located?

Silent Hill is a fictitious town largely based on the tragic events in Centralia, Pennsylvania.

Is the mine fire still burning under Centralia?

Yes, the mine fire started on May 27, 1962 and is still burning today. Estimates show there is enough coal for the fire to burn for 250 years.

Can you visit the Graffiti Highway (Old Highway 61)?

Old Highway 61 is on private property, however tourist can simply walk around a dirt berm to access the Graffiti Highway. In April 2020, the owner of the property began covering the road to deter visitors from trespassing.

Is steam still visible on Old Highway 61 in Centralia?

Throughout the years, the fire has burned to a depth where the roadway is not hot enough to produce much steam.

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