35 Facts About Centralia Pa

The Beginning of Centralia

Centralia, Pennsylvania, is a ghost town with a haunting history. Once a bustling mining town, it now stands nearly abandoned due to an underground fire that has been burning for decades. Here are some intriguing facts about this eerie place.

1. Centralia was founded in 1866, primarily as a coal mining town.
2. The town's population peaked at around 2,700 residents in 1890.
3. Centralia was part of the anthracite coal region, known for its high-quality coal.

The Fire That Changed Everything

The most defining event in Centralia's history is the mine fire that started in 1962. This fire has had a lasting impact on the town and its residents.

4. The fire began in a landfill that was set ablaze to clean up the town for Memorial Day.
5. It spread to an abandoned coal mine, igniting a seam of anthracite coal.
6. Efforts to extinguish the fire failed, and it continued to burn underground.
7. The fire has been burning for over 60 years and is expected to continue for another 250 years.

The Impact on the Community

The underground fire had devastating effects on the community, leading to a mass exodus and the eventual abandonment of the town.

8. By the 1980s, the population had dwindled to fewer than 1,000 residents.
9. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other gases made living conditions hazardous.
10. In 1984, the U.S. government allocated $42 million to relocate residents.
11. Most of the town's buildings were demolished, leaving only a few structures standing.

The Legal Battle

The residents who remained fought a long legal battle to stay in their homes, despite the dangers posed by the fire.

12. In 1992, Pennsylvania claimed eminent domain over all property in Centralia.
13. Some residents refused to leave, leading to a prolonged legal struggle.
14. In 2013, the remaining residents reached a settlement allowing them to stay until their deaths.

The Modern Ghost Town

Today, Centralia is a ghost town with only a handful of residents and a few remaining structures. It has become a point of interest for tourists and urban explorers.

15. As of 2020, only five residents remained in Centralia.
16. The town's ZIP code, 17927, was officially discontinued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2002.
17. Centralia's streets are mostly empty, with only a few buildings still standing.
18. Graffiti Highway, a popular tourist attraction, was covered in colorful graffiti until it was buried in 2020.

The Environmental Impact

The fire has had significant environmental consequences, affecting the land and air quality in and around Centralia.

19. The ground above the fire is hot to the touch in some areas.
20. Smoke and steam can be seen rising from the ground, especially in winter.
21. Vegetation has been scorched, leaving barren patches of land.
22. Sinkholes and subsidence have made the area dangerous to traverse.

Cultural References

Centralia's eerie atmosphere and history have inspired various forms of media, from books to movies and video games.

23. The town served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Silent Hill in the video game and movie series.
24. Centralia has been featured in numerous documentaries and news reports.
25. The town's story has been the subject of several books, including "Fire Underground" by David DeKok.

The Future of Centralia

While the town itself may never recover, its story continues to captivate and serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of coal mining and underground fires.

26. The fire is expected to burn for another 250 years, making the land uninhabitable.
27. Efforts to contain or extinguish the fire have been deemed too costly and impractical.
28. The remaining residents have no plans to leave, despite the risks.
29. Centralia's eerie landscape continues to attract tourists and urban explorers.
30. The town's history serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of coal mining.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts about Centralia that add to its mystique and intrigue.

31. The town once had seven churches, five hotels, 27 saloons, and a post office.
32. Centralia's coal deposits are estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
33. The town's cemetery is one of the few well-maintained areas, with regular visits from former residents.
34. Centralia has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
35. Despite its eerie atmosphere, the town has a certain haunting beauty that continues to draw visitors.

The Enduring Mystery of Centralia

Centralia, PA, remains a fascinating enigma. The underground coal fire that started in 1962 still burns today, making the town a ghostly reminder of nature's power and human error. Once home to over 1,000 residents, Centralia now has fewer than a dozen people. The abandoned streets and smoldering ground have turned it into a curiosity for urban explorers and history buffs alike.

Despite the dangers, the town's unique story draws visitors from all over. The graffiti-covered Route 61, also known as the "Graffiti Highway," adds to its eerie charm. Centralia's tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the long-lasting impact of industrial accidents.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or just love a good mystery, Centralia offers a compelling glimpse into a world where time seems to stand still. Its story is far from over, continuing to captivate those who dare to explore its haunting landscape.