24 Eerie Abandoned Places with Dark Pasts and Even Darker Secrets

7. The Eerie Allure of Centralia: A Town on Fire

Centralia, Pennsylvania, is a ghost town with a fiery secret. Once a thriving coal mining community, it was abandoned due to an underground mine fire that has been burning since 1962. The fire’s toxic fumes and unstable ground forced residents to evacuate, leaving behind a desolate landscape. The town’s empty streets and crumbling buildings create an eerie atmosphere, with smoke occasionally rising from the ground. Centralia’s story has inspired books and films, including the horror movie “Silent Hill.” Despite its dangers, the town continues to attract curious visitors, drawn by its haunting beauty and the mystery of its eternal flames.