First Roadside Stop: Centralia, PA

Centralia is a near-ghost town in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Its population has dwindled from over 1,000 residents in 1981 to 10 in 2010 as a result of the Centralia mine fire that has been burning beneath the borough since 1962. 

It looked like most of the fires have burnt out, or have simply moved down the coal vein. Even though there was no smoke coming from the cracks the abandoned route 61 stretch of highway was really beautiful. 

Most of the town was demolished through the powers of eminent domaine and 90% of what's left is hidden in the lush over growth which hides the scars of the demolition. Unused roads lead to forgotten driveways and form a lattice pattern which is the only hint that the land had once been developed.

Photos taken by Michele.