Indiana is a state full of history, beauty, and culture, but hidden amongst its cities and towns are a number of abandoned ghost towns. These abandoned places offer a unique look into the history of the state, as well as a glimpse into what life was like in the past. In this article, we'll explore some of the ghost towns in Indiana and learn about their fascinating pasts.
New Harmony
One of the most famous ghost towns in Indiana is New Harmony. This abandoned town was founded in 1814 by the Harmonists, a religious group of German immigrants. The Harmonists believed that their goal was to create a perfect Christian utopia, and they did just that. New Harmony was a model of communal living, with each member of the group taking on a specific role and responsibility. Although the town was originally prosperous, it eventually fell into decline after the Harmonists left in 1824. Now, New Harmony is an abandoned town with a few remaining buildings, but its history as a utopian community still lives on.
Centerville
Centerville is another ghost town in Indiana. This small town was founded in 1832, and it quickly grew into a bustling community. Centerville was a center of trade and commerce, and it was even home to a railroad station. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the railroad station closed in the early 20th century. Without a major source of income, Centerville slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a thriving community still remains.
Lomax
Lomax is a small ghost town in Indiana that was founded in 1819. The town was originally a small farming community, and it was home to a small number of residents who were mainly farmers. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the railroad bypassed Lomax in the late 19th century. Without easy access to larger cities, Lomax slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a thriving farming community still remains.
Kelso
Kelso is a small abandoned town in Indiana that was founded in 1820. The town was originally a stop on the underground railroad, and it was home to a small number of African-American residents. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the railroad was rerouted in the late 19th century. Without easy access to larger cities, Kelso slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a stop on the underground railroad still remains.
Vernon
Vernon is a small abandoned town in Indiana that was founded in 1824. The town was originally a logging camp, and it was home to a small number of residents who were mainly loggers. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the logging industry declined in the early 20th century. Without easy access to timber, Vernon slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a logging camp still remains.
Tomlinson
Tomlinson is a small abandoned town in Indiana that was founded in 1825. The town was originally a mining town, and it was home to a small number of residents who were mainly miners. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the mining industry declined in the early 20th century. Without easy access to coal, Tomlinson slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a mining town still remains.
Thornton
Thornton is a small abandoned town in Indiana that was founded in 1826. The town was originally a farming community, and it was home to a small number of residents who were mainly farmers. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the farming industry declined in the early 20th century. Without easy access to fertile soil, Thornton slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a farming community still remains.
Pleasantville
Pleasantville is a small abandoned town in Indiana that was founded in 1827. The town was originally a trading post, and it was home to a small number of residents who were mainly traders. Unfortunately, the town's fortunes changed when the trading industry declined in the early 20th century. Without easy access to goods, Pleasantville slowly declined, and it eventually became a ghost town. Now, the town is home to only a few abandoned buildings, but its past as a trading post still remains.
Conclusion
Indiana is a state full of history and culture, and it's home to a number of abandoned ghost towns. These ghost towns offer a unique look into the past, and they provide a glimpse into what life was like in the past. From utopian communities to mining towns, these ghost towns are a reminder of the past and the people who once called them home. So if you're looking to explore a unique part of Indiana's history, be sure to visit one of the state's many ghost towns.
