You Won't Believe This Town Is In Pennsylvania

As one of the most visited states in the United States, seeing 192.4 million visitors in 2022, Pennsylvania abounds with charming destinations. From its coastline with Lake Erie and location in the Mid-Atlantic to the towering Appalachian Mountains, which cut through the state, there are plenty of places to visit. Behind these natural landmarks and the state’s bustling cities lie even more unique destinations that many don’t believe exist. The best example of this is Centralia, a ghost (somewhat) town in Columbia County that is hiding a constant fire. That’s right, the town has been burning underground for over 60 years due to a coal mine fire that has failed to extinguish. Offering a stark contrast to Pennsylvania’s greenery, Centralia is a town that is sure to surprise.

History of Centralia & The Mine Fire

While it may be a ghost town today, this wasn’t always the case for Centralia. Centralia was once home to Native American tribes and was purchased by colonial agents in the 1750s, after which development began in the region. The Reading Road (Route 61) was developed here, connecting the town to Reading and Sunbury.

By the end of the 18th century, locals discovered anthracite coal in the region, which led to a mining boom. The 1800s saw the development of a tavern, the construction of the Mine Run Railroad, and the entry of Locust Mountain and Iron Company, which bought a large portion of the town. Mining continued throughout the mid-1800s with two mines and plenty of workers, bringing the population up to 2,761 at its peak in 1890. At this point, the town had five hotels, over two dozen saloons, a bank, and a bit of a crime problem, although this was the least of its issues.

In 1929, the Wall Street Crash led to five mines closing, and coal mining completely shut down in the 1960s. However, locals did not know what tragedy was about to strike. Although the exact start date is debated, a fire was started around May 27, 1962, in an attempt to burn trash to clear out landfills. Experts believe the trash fire was not fully extinguished, allowing it to seep into the coal seams beneath the town.

The fire continued to grow, and in the coming months, it engulfed the mine system, spanning over an 8-mile stretch reaching depths of up to 300 feet. Excavation attempts were made to pump water and rock down the mine, but all attempts failed due to a lack of effectiveness and funding. Due to this, the town was abandoned in the 1980s, and the federal government allocated over $40 million to relocate residents and demolish homes, formally disincorporating Centralia in 1992.

The Town Today

With a raging fire hundreds of feet underground and stretching for 3,700 acres, the town is not really the best place to live. Surprisingly, five residents still remain as of 2025, as they have reached an agreement with local officials to stay here until they pass away. For this reason, Centralia is not entirely a ghost town, and visitors can roam the streets to relive what once was a mining hub. Although surrounded by Pennsylvania’s lush forests, Centralia stands out with its scorched terrain and haunting atmosphere, save for a few new-growth forests. This environment in Centralia also inspired the 2006 horror movie Silent Hill.

Although most buildings have been abandoned, rising plumes of smoke from various areas of the ground create a unique vibe rarely seen elsewhere. However, a section of Route 61 had to be rerouted due to subsidence and buckling from the fire below, later becoming known as the "graffiti highway" before being covered in 2020.Though the highway has been officially buried and access prohibited, its legacy as a symbol of creative defiance and eerie beauty lives on in memory and online photos. There are also signs of fire damage throughout, from scorched land and structures to metal venting tubes made to ease pressure where the fire burns close to the ground. The fire was so rampant that the neighboring town of Byrnesville was also affected, and it had to be abandoned in the late 1900s. That said, no matter where you are, it is hard to believe that a massive flame is ravaging the ground below you.

Things To See In Centralia

Beyond the fire, while still linked to it, Centralia still has many attractions to visit. From rustic buildings that predate the tragedy to unique artistic roads, these are some of the best things to see in this Pennsylvania town.

The Old Church

When the fire broke out in Centralia, the town had nearly half a dozen churches, but they all disappeared one after the other. Thankfully, in 1986, Archbishop Stephen Sulyk ordered a survey confirming that the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church lay on solid rock, not coal. To this end, the building from 1911 was saved and is one of the few remaining in the area. Visitors today can witness its white facade and light blue spires standing atop a small hill in town. Surrounded by desolate land, the Ukrainian church stands as a sign of resilience despite the fires below. In 2015, it was even officially declared as a pilgrimage site by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk.

Graffiti Highway

As the name suggests, Graffiti Highway is a highway full of graffiti. Once a bustling project as part of Route 61, the roadway was abandoned, and people from the region covered it in vibrant art and creativity. Whether it was locals wanting to mark their time in the town or fans of Silent Hill connecting with the franchise in real life, there is no shortage of unique graffiti on this roadway. Vulgarity, quotes, animals, hashtags, and even scribbles are just a few of many things you’ll see here. Although it is the town’s most popular landmark, locals have called for police patrols to ensure safety and end vandalism. As mentioned, it has been partially covered by mounds of dirt, and as of 2025, access is somewhat restricted, yet it remains a charming display of local feeling and art.

Odd Fellows Cemetery

One of the closest sites to the actual land fire that started it all is the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Located on Second Street, the cemetery is surrounded by a wrought iron fence exuding an ominous vibe. Those with a heart for it can explore the area, which still has numerous graves. The name itself comes from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal order in England which was named “odd” as it allowed people of all walks to join. Apart from Odd Fellows, Centralia is also home to three other cemeteries, one of which still has smoke rising around and out of it.

The Town With An Underground Flame

Centralia is unlike any other town in America. Once a bustling mining hub, it now stands as a haunting reminder of how a single mistake can change everything. Though most buildings are gone and the streets are quiet, the underground fire still burns, shaping both the land and the town’s identity. Yet within the silence, there is a strange beauty in the graffiti-covered roads, the surviving church, and nature slowly reclaiming its place. Centralia offers a captivating look into history, resilience, and the unexpected.