Indiana, known for its rich history and cultural legacy, also has some of the most fascinating abandoned sites. Ghost towns, the remains of once-thriving settlements, serve as silent testimonies to the passage of time. Here are seven ghost towns in Indiana that provide a hauntingly beautiful look into the past.
Dunn
Dunn, a busy town founded in 1907, was named after Captain James Dunn. It had stores, a grain elevator, and dwellings, but it disintegrated in 1913 due to a lack of natural resources. Today, explorers can see the old grain silo and overgrown rail lines.
Brisco
Previously, Brisco (also known as Briscoe) was the name of a tiny town in Warren County, Indiana. This tiny town, which once had a one-room school and a general store, no longer exists as of the twentieth century. In fact, you will have trouble finding it on a map! This town was located around nine miles northwest of Williamsport.
Sloan
Sloan is the name of a town that previously existed between Jordan Township and Steuben Township. It was less than a mile east of the town of Hedrick. By the 1990s, the train that ran through town had ceased operations, and the tracks had been dismantled. As shown in the image, only a few buildings remain, which are being reclaimed by nature.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown was a town in the northern part of Delaware County. The town’s economy grew thanks to a flower and sawmill. The only thing that remains of the town now is the Elizabethtown Cemetery.
Granville
Granville is the name of a town that previously existed in Tippecanoe County. The settlement was inhabited by Wea Native Americans in the 1830s. There is a cemetery to the east of where the town existed, across the Wabash River, that still bears the town’s name.
Baltimore
This house in Baltimore, Indiana, is the sole remaining structure. Baltimore was founded in 1829, and the town had 70 citizens. While the town was poised for growth, the Wabash and Erie Canal’s completion sealed its fate.
Corwin
There are two abandoned Corwins in Indiana. This one in Tippecanoe County was never able to blossom to its full potential. The grain elevators can still be located there today.
Conclusion
These ghost towns are more than just tourist attractions; they are historical archives. They serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human achievements and the inexorable passage of time. Visiting these locations takes you on a journey through Indiana’s hidden narrative, which includes stories of hope, growth, and eventual decay. Whether you’re an urban explorer, a history lover, or simply inquisitive, these seven ghost towns are must-see destinations that provide a unique perspective on Indiana’s history.