Vanishing Centralia 2019

  In May 1962, a fire fighting volunteer company in the small coal mining town of Centralia, PA started a fire at a community landfill located in an open pit. This is standard practice at the time as a way to deal with a growing pile of garbage. Unfortunately the fire was not extinguished adequately and burned through holes into abandoned mine tunnels under the city. The fire burned for almost 20 years before the land began to sink because of the burning of coal pillars that held the roof of the tunnel. Steaming vents opened around the city. Carbon monoxide seeps into the house. Federal money is allocated to relocate residents because it is not safe to live in the city.

   Most people accept the offer of settlement and move. Businesses and homes are leveled and grass and trees have taken over property. Five houses still stand and because they are not in danger of collapsing from subsidence, the owners have been given the right to stay for the rest of their lives. The Church of Santa Maria, which is located on the hill, is the only church, from five standing churches.

                    

  Visiting the remains of the city is scary. There are no road signs. There are no city limits. This city has been destroyed. The streets are empty and trees grow small. Steps lead everywhere. We stopped at Centralia in 2010 and found several places where steam rose from the ground but it seemed to have stopped when the fire moved to a deeper level in the mine. 

  The road is in pretty good condition so it is easy to get through but hilly so wheelchair users may need help. Most roads are still open so you can also drive and see the scenery. One of the main attractions is part of Route 61 which was closed due to cracks and settlements and is now covered with graffiti. Stacks of dirt at each end make it impossible to access a wheelchair.

  Park on one of the roads but don't enter without permission in the properties of some of the remaining residents.  Centralia   40.79972, -76.33939