"Ghost Towns" in Southeast Ohio

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  • čas přidán 25. 10. 2016
  • At the height of the coal industry, more than 70 coal company towns flourished in the region. As mines closed, towns were abandoned and Southeast Ohio changed.
    Video by Patrick Connolly.

Komentáře • 163

  • @airtow6766
    @airtow6766 Před 3 lety +20

    I was born and raised in Columbus, so there were always jobs to be had, so I have a deep respect for the people in the southern part of Ohio who lived through the huge upheaval of post industrial times. They are some tough hard working people. God Bless You!

  • @chadmiller7460
    @chadmiller7460 Před 3 lety +10

    Thank you. I had no idea. Ohio native, born n still here. Beautiful country.

  • @UncleDavesKitchen
    @UncleDavesKitchen Před 11 měsíci +4

    I lived in Athens County as a child in the 1950s and early 1960s. We lived on a dirt and gravel road, had no plumbing, a Coal stove for heat, outhouse out the back door, across the yard and down the hill. Over the nears, now and then, maybe 50 times that I recall my grandmother would suddenly say, "they're coming, get ready, get on the porch, they're on their way." She'd comb her hair, put her teeth in, some lipstick and compact and we'd quickly get to the porch swing and look at the empty road.
    Soon, we'd hear men talking, kicking up rocks on the road as they walked. There would be about 30 Civil War Soldiers walking down the hill by our house, behind the barn and up over the next hill out of sight. All in blue uniforms, shot up, dirty, rips and holes, some had guns, most didn't. They walked slowly, some in groups talking to each other but we couldn't make out what they said. Some walking alone, some straggling. Every time we saw them it was the same groups, same stragglers. I was a kid and sometimes I'd run up to them wanting to play. They looked like teen agers or a bit older, dirty, not noticing me, I could see up close the holes in their uniforms. They'd walk on and disappear over the next hill and my grandmother and I'd go in the house. How she would know they were coming I don't know.
    Years later I watched a documentary on the Civil War, after the war the solders had to walk home, rail roads were destroyed, horses killed, no boats left they had to walk. So many soldiers that made it through the war never made it home with the long walk, maybe over 1,000 miles. I wonder if these soldier boys were those soldiers, heading home but never made it, still trying to find home. They were solid, did every movement, walk and talk the same each time and I saw them at least 50 times.
    I made a video of this occurrence. Here is the link. czcams.com/video/Tubg2FIKSeo/video.html

  • @ruthaakamonica5602
    @ruthaakamonica5602 Před 2 lety +6

    In 1965 , my parents bought an old cinder block cabin in Burr Oak Ohio , we drove through Glouster and Nelsonvile each time we traveled from our home in Columbus , l can still sence the haunted feeling l often felt throughout the area and to this day , @ 62 , l dream of that cabin near the lake as if there is something I left there , where l spent the best days of my childhood .

  • @330_Crew
    @330_Crew Před rokem +8

    Southeast Ohio is really a great asset of wilderness and interesting topography. It’s one of the few places in Ohio that you can experience true off the grid wilderness. Something extremely hard to do in the Midwest.
    As a recreational asset it’s just now starting to see some interest. Recently there was 30 miles of mountain bike trails being built in WNF with plans to grow it to a total of 80 miles, making the area a regional MTB destination for recreation.

  • @oonamcguinness1075
    @oonamcguinness1075 Před rokem +4

    I just purchased an old church as my new home in a small old mining town population 200 near st clairsville. I am from Washington state. I really must say that I never imagined such a beautiful and affordable place so full of history and mystery. It is so much nicer here than the NW the weather, scenery and people are all so much better ❤

    • @danwohlslagel1277
      @danwohlslagel1277 Před rokem +1

      That area is really beautiful. If you get the itch to travel, you are only a couple of hours away from Falling Water. It's a must-see / do IMO.

  • @mothman-jz8ug
    @mothman-jz8ug Před 4 lety +28

    Much of the Southern Ohio area which produced the coal was also rich in high quality clay which was used to make fire brick. This brick was used extensively by the steel mills in the United Sates. Moreover, the same area was an important producer of iron. In 1920, a small railroad company, the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad, was on the verge of financial collapse. This line was so important to the Ford Motor Company that Henry Ford bought the railroad, which he owned for the next ten years. He couldn't risk losing the vital supply of iron and coal from Southeast Ohio, and that railroad was essential to shipping it to the Ford foundries.
    As the steel industry died in The United Sates, the brick industry in S.E Ohio died with it. Even the coal that fires the power plants is brought in from elsewhere today, as Ohio coal is too "dirty". Thus, many of the residents refer to Southeast Ohio as "Third World Ohio". It's an area with no jobs, and - apparently - no future. The towns and villages which aren't ghost towns have shrunk or simply stopped growing altogether. One of the worst examples is the city of Portsmouth, which was once a thriving steel producing town. Today, it is a city of the three D's - Drugs, Dirt, Decay. The city still has a daily paper, and somewhere on the front page of each issue is coverage of the latest drug bust(s). THAT is the city's industry since steel moved overseas.
    The pictures in the video are quite beautiful, but what you don't see is the look in the eyes of so many S.E. Ohio residents, particularly young people: The look of hopelessness, of being whipped. Students in schools once learned the "Three R's". In this area today, they quickly learn the "Three G's" - Grow up, Graduate, GET OUT!

    • @frankmaxfield7025
      @frankmaxfield7025 Před 4 lety +3

      Your exactly right about Portsmouth. My son was born there as me and his mother lived in Manchester Ohio which is a town along St rte 52 in Adams county which is another town that's dried up and pretty much has no place to work. They used to have the Stuart and killen power plants but they closed both plants down a few years ago which is where many of the town's residents worked. Now if you live there you would probably travel towards Cincinnati for work which is a long drive but ppl have to do something or they end up in the endless cycle of drugs and death.

    • @davidfoster5787
      @davidfoster5787 Před 3 lety +2

      From Winchester, near Portsmouth and Manchester. Most went to work in Cincinnati or Dayton for work until the power plants started. They closed. Copeland and Mac Tools plants closed. Other plants closed years ago. Farming has taken a big hit. Our only options were to join the military, drive, move, or drugs. Most are good hard working people.

    • @frankmaxfield7025
      @frankmaxfield7025 Před 3 lety +2

      @@davidfoster5787 I was married to a girl from Manchester with the last name foster. Her grandpa was the guy that used to own that snappy tomato pizza in West Union. That didn't turn out too well for me though but I got no hard feeling towards her. It's all part of life and the way life goes lol.

    • @davidfoster5787
      @davidfoster5787 Před 3 lety +2

      @@frankmaxfield7025 Your ex must have been related to Allen and Paul. Believe we are off a different branch. Had a cousin, who ran a clothing store in Manchester. Much older and I cannot remember the name. Understanding about exes ,I have 2 from Adams County. I had to move to NC to get one who would put up with me. Miss home. Good people.

    • @beavistechrock
      @beavistechrock Před 3 lety +5

      I think you mean the 3 rs. Reading, writing, and route 23

  • @terriwebb5093
    @terriwebb5093 Před 3 lety +11

    Morgan county timber company here!!! Alot of great timber comes out of south east OHIO!!! Love small town ohio

  • @willbarker1693
    @willbarker1693 Před 2 lety +7

    " I owe my soul to the Company store "

  • @thereviewauthority
    @thereviewauthority Před 4 lety +8

    I'm from Athens and the Eclipse Company town is a very beautiful little town when driving or walking through it you can see and feel the history!

    • @michelewalburn4376
      @michelewalburn4376 Před 4 lety +2

      I live in Portsmouth. I've never heard of it, but it's not so far away that I can't go now that I know.

    • @virginiaconnor8350
      @virginiaconnor8350 Před 2 lety

      There's an Athens and a Doraville (?) in Ohio? We have cities like Marietta and Lebanon in Ga. too. My boyfriend lived in Lebanon, Ohio and I visited there in '15. Very nice town. We visited the school he attended that was in "Harper Valley, PTA". I'd hate for anything to happen to it, Cincinnati, or Dayton.

  • @grandmapatty1493
    @grandmapatty1493 Před 7 lety +62

    I love Ohio history!!!

    • @bonni-robloxmore2629
      @bonni-robloxmore2629 Před 7 lety +8

      Same, I find the history of Ohio interesting, as I live there, and I'm guessing you do as well, I know of a few abandoned/haunted locations here. CSU is seriously haunted, and I can feel ghosts, and I feel some strong ghost energy there. I love to research abandoned locations and what condition they're in. Ohio truly is amazing.

    • @shirleymaedlong1563
      @shirleymaedlong1563 Před 6 lety +4

      Bonni - Roblox & More! I'm looking for abandoned place for my friend's and I to go explore!! Do you know of any? We have no intentions on taking or destroying anything, we just want to explore 😍

    • @Snowwhite33142
      @Snowwhite33142 Před 6 lety +1

      Bonni - Roblox & More! Yes it is!

    • @beauburba4336
      @beauburba4336 Před 5 lety +2

      @@shirleymaedlong1563 come to Glouster, Ohio, we got a abandoned school and houses and buildings. I know i'm late.

    • @shirleymaedlong1563
      @shirleymaedlong1563 Před 5 lety

      @@beauburba4336 Yay!!

  • @ellenpasquinelli8473
    @ellenpasquinelli8473 Před 3 lety +3

    Just came across this. My father was born and raised in Gloucester. When he came home from WWll he went to OU on the GI bill. He eventually became a State Director for FHA. As he was one of 9 children I still have cousins in this area.

    • @darbysdownhomedetecting
      @darbysdownhomedetecting Před 2 lety

      Setting in Gloucester Ohio now😄 I've actually been able to locate quite a few of these towns over the years. When I was a kid they were the best places to go exploring as a 10 year old! Wish I could get with a historical society and work together to preserve the sites and relics left behind.

  • @AndradeM
    @AndradeM Před 2 lety +1

    My wife is from Glouster. I enjoy visiting the area; the people are so friendly.

  • @pauladobbins6555
    @pauladobbins6555 Před 4 měsíci

    I grew up in New Straitsville and absolutely loved it! Wonderful Elementary school and teachers.Great memories that will last throughout my life!

  • @woxyroxme
    @woxyroxme Před 3 lety +21

    I love southeast Ohio it truly is the best part of the state

    • @deborahchesser7375
      @deborahchesser7375 Před 3 lety +5

      It surely is, from Hocking Hills to Marietta

    • @55dionysus
      @55dionysus Před 3 lety +1

      @@deborahchesser7375 from Portsmouth to Athens . Jackson always feels like home when I go back.

    • @gravelydon7072
      @gravelydon7072 Před 3 lety +1

      @@deborahchesser7375 And Marietta to Caldwell to Hannibal.

    • @La1hood
      @La1hood Před 3 lety

      Yes. I want to move there

  • @michelewalburn4376
    @michelewalburn4376 Před 4 lety +19

    I live in Portsmouth Ohio. Our city almost died after the mills closed. We're now rising from the ashes. Ohioans are strong people.

    • @TheAhirishman
      @TheAhirishman Před 4 lety

      I was raised in Manchester

    • @fordnut4914
      @fordnut4914 Před 4 lety +5

      Now it's a drug problem

    • @terriwebb5093
      @terriwebb5093 Před 3 lety +1

      I found you again tree hugger!!! Morgan county is where im from, cut and harvest timber for a living

    • @gltff
      @gltff Před 3 lety +1

      Born in Portsmouth - Dad worked for Republic Steel and met Mom when they both worked at Williams Manufacturing.

    • @sluttyboy69
      @sluttyboy69 Před 2 lety +1

      I was born in Portsmouth Ohio

  • @Lady_Chalk
    @Lady_Chalk Před 2 lety +2

    My family originates (sometime after immigrating to America) from Morgan County, (McConnelsville). Hello to any McCormicks, Daileys, and Burkheimers, from a Canton-raised kid!

  • @tomthesing6488
    @tomthesing6488 Před 3 lety +1

    Good video, You explained the history very well

  • @AnthemBassMan
    @AnthemBassMan Před 3 lety +5

    Tuscarawas County, Ohio here!

  • @dennisschramm3294
    @dennisschramm3294 Před 5 lety +10

    Bellaire,Ohio will be next... Nothing left here...closed coal mines,steel mills,and glass houses...all gone..No buisnessess left...

    • @adamnicholes1002
      @adamnicholes1002 Před 5 lety +1

      Most of Belmont County has been hurt by the coal and oil decline. It is just how it goes here in Applachia of Ohio.

    • @barbarabee3834
      @barbarabee3834 Před 5 lety

      That is a shame. A beautiful rich history though, my grandpa worked in a coal mine down there. Kind regards from Michigan!

    • @dmeads5663
      @dmeads5663 Před 4 lety +2

      There’s a few still left open that are hiring.

  • @thomasbarnett9647
    @thomasbarnett9647 Před 4 lety +4

    Piney Fork, Ohio (Jefferson county) would be a classic example, on this subject. Lots of mining history there, to be explored.

    • @riverraisin1
      @riverraisin1 Před 2 lety

      My grandfather was a miner and union organizer from Bradley back in the '20's

  • @delbertbrowning5438
    @delbertbrowning5438 Před rokem +1

    Part of my youth spent in Millfield, Ohio....near Mine #6

  • @Cleveland.Ironman
    @Cleveland.Ironman Před 3 měsíci

    Do you have any information about the coal mines in Guernsey County, Ohio? Especially around the area between Pleasant City and Cumberland? Thank you.

  • @crazyburkey3677
    @crazyburkey3677 Před 3 lety +2

    I've seen a few of these and heard of more, even in my lifespan of 51 years, not so much from coal, but the fact (we can't make it here anymore, like James Mcmurtry sings) like Fresno, yes in Ohio, Kimbolton, and now Port Washington, nothing has went in these towns, for years, then there's the old towns of Mudsock along state route 258 or Old 21 like my mother used to call it, and Kideyes Hollow, as well as Lock 17 going back to canal days

  • @beavistechrock
    @beavistechrock Před 3 lety +1

    One question what's a Daimond?

  • @Rosethatwantstomove
    @Rosethatwantstomove Před 3 lety +2

    I live in Morgan county for 41yrs, been around here for 50yrs

    • @terriwebb5093
      @terriwebb5093 Před 3 lety +1

      Me too, old MoCo.. great little small town with a great style of living..

  • @andymonk9505
    @andymonk9505 Před 5 lety +1

    I live in the heart of the region. I found the drive to West Virginia better than driving to Columbus for the best Millwrights LU 1755 Apprentice program in the world.

  • @alexcika9906
    @alexcika9906 Před 4 lety +1

    Very Cool !!!!

  • @leeturner1838
    @leeturner1838 Před 5 lety +6

    miners made this country, thank you to all miners!!!!!!!!!!

    • @michelewalburn4376
      @michelewalburn4376 Před 4 lety

      They gave us so many freedoms and rights. We can't forget those who died because 3bad conditions and during the union wars.

    • @kelleytester7503
      @kelleytester7503 Před 4 lety

      Thank you coal miners 4 making the air quality be at dangerous poor levels KUDOS REALLY?!?!

  • @devonclose2606
    @devonclose2606 Před 5 lety +12

    I lived in shawnee for about 3 years. Also lived in Beverly, merritta, new Lexington, logan, new strightsville, Waterford, Athens, and now im in Columbus soon ill be living in Lancaster lol... gotta love Ohio lol....

  • @steven2212
    @steven2212 Před 5 lety +8

    A detectorists dream.

    • @Jimthechevywheelman
      @Jimthechevywheelman Před 3 měsíci

      Sooo much has been picked, dug up… old schoolyards, Church grounds ect

  • @marilynncottrell2569
    @marilynncottrell2569 Před 5 lety +5

    Retired coal miners have great medical insurance. I have lots of relatives who retired from coal mining. Where do you think you get your lights (ulitites) it takes tons and tons of coal to put electricity into your homes.

    • @deborahchesser7375
      @deborahchesser7375 Před 4 lety +3

      marilynn cottrell like I heard a Ky miner say, you see that light burning over yonder? There’s somebody dying fer it every day

    • @timothygu3
      @timothygu3 Před 3 lety +5

      Exactly why we need to move towards clean energy. Times have changed.

  • @jasonmiles1151
    @jasonmiles1151 Před 3 lety

    This would’ve been good to watch 3 maybe 4 days ago when I was in the Athens, Hocking Hills, and Merrita area’s

  • @neddelamatre9572
    @neddelamatre9572 Před 3 lety

    So many farming towns are also falling by the wayside...

  • @marro4599
    @marro4599 Před měsícem

    I'm from Jackson. When I travel, especially to northern Ohio and mention my hometown, people often ask where it is located. I tell them southern Ohio, and they say 'Oh,Cincinnati ' and then I say east of there. They say,'Oh, Marietta.' Everything else doesn't exist to most people, not even Chillicothe, a vibrant city and it was Ohio's first capital. This must not be taught in schools. Someone said that Ohio History is not a curriculum anymore. Hhmm? Lots of activities are available in our part of the state if one just gives it a chance. Come see us.

  • @crazyburkey3677
    @crazyburkey3677 Před 3 lety

    Wow the narration was done by Wolfee wonder any relation to a Mr. Wolfee I had in elementary school

  • @debbiemcclure2874
    @debbiemcclure2874 Před 5 lety +2

    I would live there...

  • @charlielaudico3523
    @charlielaudico3523 Před rokem

    Coal is still used in other countries that cannot afford anything but surviving day to day!

  • @kalebking7543
    @kalebking7543 Před 5 lety +18

    Let's be real here, southeast Ohio is the most unique region in the country east of the rockies

    • @dustinscheller7795
      @dustinscheller7795 Před 5 lety

      There's a lot of places on the east coast I doubt you've been too

    • @dustywelchcraneman6614
      @dustywelchcraneman6614 Před 5 lety +6

      Ohio is such a key state for so much. Alot of mining related things were developed perfected and produced in Ohio particularly the southeast corner. Harrison county being one of the true epicenters for large scale Stripping. Manufacturers like Fiat Allis, Allis chamlers, caterpillar Marion and Bucyrus powershovel company. With machines like the silver spade and the gem of Egypt in Egypt valley Ohio and the mountaineer being some of the largest shovels ever produced and all of them worked within 20miles of one another and they not only set the pace but laid the foundation for how massive shovels and draglines were to be productive and profitable. This area geographically has most all materials found in all corners of the world and so the machines could be tested in all types of various scenarios without any extra work or effort all while getting a job done. Allis Chalmers perfected and refined the HD31 and HD41 bulldozer in Tuscarawas and Harrison counties, in mines that ended up funding most of the research and development of some of the massive modern earth moving equipment seen today. Underground the same way. Joy manufacturing and other locomotives works set up shop along the Ohio River supplying mines with equipment that could be matched to fit all needs and wants. Ohio is an important state no matter how you slice it jam packed with historical significance.

    • @terriwebb5093
      @terriwebb5093 Před 3 lety

      Alot of timber harvesting come from here to

  • @tulw2728
    @tulw2728 Před 4 lety +4

    My Ohio.

  • @leeturner1838
    @leeturner1838 Před 6 lety +7

    hard way to make a living!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @larry92adventure65
    @larry92adventure65 Před 9 měsíci

    There also sit like atomgrads but have nothing to do with nuclear power but use the same concept

  • @SpinningbacKFisT
    @SpinningbacKFisT Před 4 lety

    Ohio and especially Columbus Oh is very rich in history

  • @ifynna4306
    @ifynna4306 Před 4 lety

    Me too

  • @jennifertriplett9537
    @jennifertriplett9537 Před rokem

    Meigs county Ohio here right in the 🥾 along the river

  • @jimb1801
    @jimb1801 Před 3 lety +1

    They forgot to say that as you used to aminities that you stayed in debit yo the company even for good and you cou

  • @jimb1801
    @jimb1801 Před 3 lety +1

    They forgot to say that as you used to aminities that you stayed in debit yo the company even for good and you could not move until it was paid my family like many others had to come up with the money some how

  • @dwightb3405
    @dwightb3405 Před 5 lety +5

    Im from Hillsborough southern ohio

  • @sandrarogers1954
    @sandrarogers1954 Před 10 měsíci

    Stark county here

  • @fletchermcdaniel9728
    @fletchermcdaniel9728 Před 3 lety

    Renville

  • @sophieking5715
    @sophieking5715 Před 6 lety +15

    I live in ohio

  • @dandavatsdasa8345
    @dandavatsdasa8345 Před 2 lety

    I hate to say this. What is wrong with Biogas over coal?
    Thank you

  • @derail14
    @derail14 Před 4 lety +12

    trump said in 2016 i am going to bring back all those mines and you dopes fell for it hook,line,and sinker.

    • @davidfoster5787
      @davidfoster5787 Před 3 lety +3

      He cannot do it alone. No support.

    • @lindasimmons9977
      @lindasimmons9977 Před 3 lety +1

      derail14 he never called them dopes,shame

    • @LardGreystoke
      @LardGreystoke Před 3 lety

      @@davidfoster5787 He had a Republican House and Senate for 2 years and all the big fat louse did was line his pockets.

    • @davidfoster5787
      @davidfoster5787 Před 3 lety +1

      @@LardGreystoke his own party failed to support him.

    • @LardGreystoke
      @LardGreystoke Před 3 lety

      @@davidfoster5787 I suppose that's why he went bankrupt all those times. Someone else's fault.

  • @bethanyleonalemleykottonqu7570

    I live in athens county almost all my
    Life and Athens county Ohio is awful

  • @fattony123082
    @fattony123082 Před 5 lety +1

    Bet none of these workers had Fibromyalgia. 👍🏻✊🏻👌🏻👊🏻🇺🇸

    • @fattony123082
      @fattony123082 Před 5 lety +2

      You guys know what that’s about. Ask any doctor they’ll tell you the same thing.

    • @nancyhicksgribble9799
      @nancyhicksgribble9799 Před 5 lety +3

      They also didn't eat crap, manufactured food full of preservatives and dyes. Moms stayed home and cooked better meals for their husbands.

  • @donaldgent9666
    @donaldgent9666 Před 5 lety +4

    I lived in Youngstown Ohio for nearly 50 years. Just like he said. What a shit hole. Moved to beautiful north Carolina. Go back to visit relatives and can't believe I came from there. If you're a drug addict you'll be fine there.

    • @fishman3406
      @fishman3406 Před 5 lety +3

      All 50 states have there drug problems, it’s just that some get hit worse than others

    • @myrao819
      @myrao819 Před 5 lety +1

      Yea...i left too in 2012. I was 27. There was no way i could live there for 50 yrs. Good for you for leaving.

    • @sluttyboy69
      @sluttyboy69 Před 2 lety +1

      Aye fuck Carolina buddy its no better fuck off every where has a drug problem 🤡

  • @tomfile3131
    @tomfile3131 Před 3 lety +1

    Back when unions were needed. Now they just make taxes higher.

  • @sardu55
    @sardu55 Před 5 lety +1

    If a town is left to no one or behind, does it really continue to exist?. Is it ok to yell 'movie' in a crowded firehouse". Does the Pope poop in the woods?.

    • @ripvanrevs
      @ripvanrevs Před 2 lety

      As long as he digs a proper cat hole.

  • @andymonk9505
    @andymonk9505 Před 5 lety

    I live in the heart of the region. I found the drive to West Virginia better than driving to Columbus for the best Millwrights LU 1755 Apprentice program in the world.