CENTRALIA, PA - America's Burning Ghost Town (Documentary) 

This is why nobody watches TV anymore. High quality, engaging content presented excellently - for free on YT. You earned my subscription today. Thank you!

I think this is, for the time being, one of the best documentaries done on Centralia. No clickbait, no shock effect. Just the story of a town and its people. Well done, Tom and Emma.

I absolutely love the way you put the old photos over the real time footage to show exactly where the pictures were taken. To see the difference in the old photos vs now is so interesting

I grew up 15 minutes from here. My great grandfather was a coal miner. You did this story justice, thank you. It’s so eerie visiting now as an adult, but as a teenager it was an adventurous dystopia to explore.

"The slow-moving fires that still managed to move faster than bureaucracy" killed me. Thank you for this visual update on such an iconic town!

I loved the overlays of historic photos over the modern streets.

This is THE best documentary of Centralia. My father grew up in Girardville and as a kid, I went thru Centralia many times in late 70’s and 80’s. Nothing really looked abandoned to me. Still many homes and some businesses left. I have pictures of St Ignatius church before it was demolished. I actually drove down Graffiti Highway (Rt 61) before it was abandoned. My dad would take me down the old bypassed Rt 61 (two lane) and now go figure, that’s the only one left.

This was done so tastefully. I remember seeing news stories about Centralia slowly being abandoned the entire time I was growing up in Pennsylvania, and feeling so sad for the residents. Thank you for considering their feelings while filming this.

This is not hyperbole: as a historian and professor of American history, I think this is better than most of what the History Channel and National Geographic produce. Each video is well-written and above commendable for what this channel is able to do.

I am obsessed with people matching up views of today with pictures of the past. This is incredible work.

I've seen a whole bunch of content on Centralia before, but this is the first doc I've seen that I think really paints the whole picture. The fact that you travel to the locations you're covering really helps tell a fuller story than if you had just simply done some online research. I can tell that you have a great appreciation for history and respect for people in general. There is a great deal to be learned from stories like these and people should absolutely know about them. Thank you for the effort and professionalism you put into this channel!

This place reminds me of an Australian ghost town (now officially "removed off the maps" by legislation) called Wittenoom. Abandoned because of asbestos toxicity, it was once the hub of Australia's asbestos mining industry. Great explore here mate and new subscriber 🇦🇺

Finally a video that tackles Centralia in a way that seems professional and somber, restoring its humanity, rather than emphasizing the nightmare below ground

My parents were both from Centralia, born two blocks apart. I spent a ton of time there as a kid, along with my siblings, and my mom's family still has an annual reunion held in Danville (closest decent hotels), which my family attends annually. I attended the 100th Anniversary party of the Centralia legion just a month ago. As the video notes, the Legion Post is now in Wilburton #1 (there are actually two Wilburtons roughly a mile apart on the back road to Mt. Carmel, alternately named Mid-Valley #1 and #2). My grandfather relocated to my parents' home in Virginia 1985, having accepted $25K for his house (waaay more than it was worth). These people in the video saying their houses appraised at $36K and $47K are delusional. Those row houses were selling for $3K - $5K at the time. They were very old, there was little industry left in the entire Anthracite region, and young people had been leaving for years (both my parents left upon graduating high school in the early 50's). Much of this video is accurate, but the people complaining about the relocation offers were simply looking to make a killing on assets that had very little value. One minor quibble: the brick buttresses on the houses left standing for a time (the last of them were razed in 2009) are actually decorative cover for the steel buttresses that were used. Those were pretty ugly, so they attempted to improve the aesthetic by covering them with brickwork. Some people mistake them for chimneys at first.

Centralia holds a quiet place in my heart. My dad was from there and he told me so many stories from his childhood.

As a geocacher I knew about Highway 61 and “graffiti highway” but never got there to see it. But, it really is something when you do start cleaning up what looks like pure, untouched forest what you end up finding! Abandoned old cars, brown glass Javex bottles from the ‘40s, old wound farming fence wire…some really cool finds. Abandoned structures with stories to tell are always so interesting too. My area used to have a radial railway and remnants of it including a pump house still exist. Elsewhere, in Algonquin Park is a rogue set of tracks, a cement foundation including stairs, and a fire plug right by a lake. That used to be a full-service hotel with rail service from the south. As a photographer, the matching up of old and new photographs is always cool too. Well done on this!

Disgraceful how the government ripped off these poor people, brilliant documentary, best wishes from Yorkshire England

My maternal grandmother lived on the east corner of Locust and Railroad Streets. My paternal grandmother lived across the street from Coddington’s Garage. Spent the ‘60’s through the ‘80’s visiting them every other weekend. How wonderful to see their homes again. Attended many a Mass, wedding and funeral at St. Ignasius. Thanks so much for the video!😊

I've watched several documentaries on Centralia over the years, and this one is pretty damn good! It doesn't just cover the towns story, but includes a deep history of the towns beginning, recent past, as well as what remains today. Well done for all involved!👍

The magic of nature is at work here. There is a fire underneath the ground, a fire that forced thousands to relocate and millions of dollars in costs, and yet somehow, there is lush greenery above the same ground. Such an amazing sight to behold. Great work on the documentery guys👍👍

I visited Centralia in the late 80's to early 90"s. At that time most of the houses had been torn down and all that remained were wildflowers where they once stood. There was still an auto parts store in town and several residences. We investigated the surrounding area and my sons walked on hot rocks that melted the soles of their boots, I think that they were 10-12 years old at the time. To this day now in their 40's they still talk about that adventure. I have searched for updated information on the town with little success until finding this well-done documentary. Thank you for sharing.

I've driven through Centralia a number of times. The first few times I didn't even realize it. Just goes to show how quickly nature takes over and makes a once bustling town unrecognizable.

The old picture references over current views/images of the town was incredible! You covered this story with such integrity. Thanks!

Absolutely brilliant coverage, I live in NZ but found this truly heartbreaking but so informative...OUTSTANDING history and NO FLUFF TALK, factual and non-judgmental...THANKYOU. I too have subscribed!!!

Most videos would rather cover the “wow look creepy abandoned town that’s on fire! WOW!” part of Centralia, but this video covers the topic in a way which shows the human aspect of it and actually treats the town with respect. Great job Tom!

This is sad, basically you have a massive failure of government starting with the new dumping policy, the picking of a new unsafe dump site, but really the half assed attempts too contain and extinguish fire afterwards doomed this town. Thanks for the documentary on this terrible tragedy hope the people of this town found peace elsewhere.

This is the kind of documentary that needs to be for the sake of all who lived there and those that lost homes and had to relocate , shame this happened . Very well put together , Thank You and God Bless !!

My family is from Schuylkill County and I've been through and have heard the stories of Centralia for years. This is the best documentary video on the subject I've seen. Great job.

Heartbreaking. Hard for a lot of us to imagine what it's like for the place you grew up to just... vanish completely. Physical locations do a lot to tie us to our past. They keep it alive and make it real. To no longer be able to go home is a tragedy.

My mother’s family is buried behind the Ukrainian church there in Centralia. The Wargo family lived on North St.Remember as a young boy visiting my grandmother early sixties walking to Riley’ store and buying penny candy and five cent Coca Cola.Best presentation of Centrala I have seen!

I was born in coaldale Pa. hospital. I am very thankful for your video and historical documentary. I miss the winding roads through the small towns.

As someone who grew up and lives in nearby Shamokin, PA. This was extremely insightful, I never would have figured there was so much more that I didn't know about Centralia. My mom's friend actually grew up there. What a storied history! Thank you so much for exploring a piece of the 570 with great taste and knowledge 🖤 I also had no idea that Aristes is due to eventually catch fire (another nice, small town).

I am from Pittsburgh Pa. and a history teacher . This was the best doc . I have ever seen on the subject . excellently done and sufficiently covered . Thank you guys so much and I will be using this in my class .

There was a similar fire in the Bituminous Coal fields of southern West Virginia. They successfully put it out by pumping several thousand gallons of shampoo down several bore holes. This was followed by pumping in several thousand gallons of liquid nitrogen. As the shampoo foamed up, the liquid nitrogen froze the domes of shampoo foam and smothered the fire out. The mine acted quickly and the fire was out in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the outstanding historical video!

This town has always fascinated me. Thank you for this I enjoyed this very much!

I'VE SEEN DOCS ON CENTRALIA OVER THE YEARS BUT N E V E R AS THOROUGH, COMPLETE WELL NARRATED & EXPLAINED IN DEPTH AS THIS ONE FROM PART TIMER- THANK YOU FOR SHARING

I really feel for the people that lost family land and homes and were offered so much less than their worth.

Thank you for this. Generations of my family lived there & I visited frequently in ‘70’s & 80’s till they relocated to Mount Carmel. Many are buried in St Ignatious Cemetery. Interesting twist is fire did not consume Cemetery, but went around.

I watched a video about this place years back, this one is packed to the brim with amazing info I missed! Thanks

Thank you for putting all the effort into making your own subtitles. Not many RU-vidrs do this it’s greatly appreciate it cause I’m commonly in loud places. You have earned my subscription.(it’s also good for people who have hearing problems)

I like that you purposely withheld interviewing the residents. It shows a lot of respect that most people don't hold. One reason I love your content is because it's honest, never bias, and is as respectful as one can be. There aren't any twists, or surprises. No clickbait videos. In-fact the videos can often be lackluster and dry, but thats what makes them good. Sometimes I just wanna listen/ watch something that is purely informative.

This was so well done. My late mother is from Ashland and I remember when Centralia was a small town. I remember seeing the smoke in the woods etc. My 2nd cousin was born there and when I took my son there and took photos, even with the structures gone, my 2nd cousin was able to tell me what was there. He knew exactly what street etc. I makes me sad that Centralia suffered such a fate.

Excellent documentary. Head and shoulders above the majority of RU-vid videos. Your clear, intelligent and useful commentary, and lack of emotional hype, makes for a refreshing change. Cheers from England! 🙂

This is so well done. One of the best documentaries on Centralia. Kudos to you for not wanting to disturb the few remaining residents there. That is incredibly respectful of you.

This is so nicely done. I have no family ties there, but I was moved by your accuracy, detail, and most of all, the respect you show. When I was a cna in Indiana, I cared for a wonderful lady that once lived there. Many times after clocking out, I would go to my resident family to tell them goodnight. (we’re not promised a tomorrow, which is too obvious in nursing homes) Anyway, she would get out her photo albums and show me her story. It gave her great joy that someone cared. She passed away in 2012. She would have loved this, and been grateful that you put a focus on the human aspect. This is beautiful.

There's a point in every Silent Hill fan's life where they learn about Centralia. For me that point was 10 years or so ago and it blew my mind. I watched and read anything I could about this tragic story. This is one of the best looks at this poor town I've ever seen. Thank you for creating this hauntingly beautiful yet jarringly raw and ugly and I doubly thank you for showing the current residents respect. Their governments (federal, state and local) failed them all equally, intentionally, continually and thoroughly.

It is amazing how nature will tear things apart no matter what and for so many years it won't stop!

I visited Centralia in 2009 with my daughter. As we photographed some of the escaping gasses, we noticed that we were getting light headed and decided to get to higher ground. It was spooky seeing the roads leading to nowhere, overgrown with plants, and only a few die-hard residents remaining along with the fire station and the Ukranian church on the hill above the town. You have done an excellent job documenting the history, going much deeper than anything I found out at the time. Thank you!

As someone who has lived in the area of Centralia my entire life, thank you for putting this together. I thought I knew everything about what happened but I learned so much from this.

For many years, I've watched documentaries on Centralia. They've all been good and informative, but never covered the politics. I want to express my gratitude for your 2022 update plus the historical politics that were so bad for the people. My family is from PA. I know how both politicians and lawyers are greedy blood suckers instead of being proactive for the people. It's shameful.

I definitely missed out on visiting the museum when I studied in the UK in college 12 years ago. Despite many visits to London that fall I just couldn’t get there. Learning the history just made it all the more interesting! Someday soon I’ll make it.

Amazing story.❤from Northern Ireland.

My wife and I paused it and were trying to figure out why that house had those brick strips! Thank you so much for being thorough and explaining that they were buttresses!

The "then and now" shots at specific locations are amazing and really put the story into perspective. Fantastic video!

I just found this channel and so happy I did. How sad for these families. I will be looking at all the other documentaries. They are so well done. Thank you for your sincerity and thoughtful reporting. ❤

This is the best documentary on Centralia I’ve ever watched. Very brilliant work!

I am from Pennsylvania, and have been through Centralia many times. Excellent video. Possibly the best on Centralia I have ever seen.

I have to say, not interviewing the residents was very respectful and I really appreciate that you were thoughtful enough to decide not to make them a spectacle, although I know that it must have been hard to not want to get a resident's take on the situation.

This was an excellent documentary. Very well put together. I also liked how you were respectful and did not interview the remaining residents. Definitely earned a new subscriber!

This is honestly the best documentary I’ve ever seen on Centralia and one of the best I’ve seen in general since being on RU-vid for nearly 2 decades now. Absolutely love this channel.

You know a video is exceptionally well done when you get nostalgic, teary and even homesick about a place that, before watching, you never even knew existed. I'm going to need to check out more of your channel. 👍

As someone who's been watching documentaries ever since he was a child 30 years ago, I'm of course familiar with this story and have seen several documentaries. I got to say, you've done a hell of a job with this one. Very good work.

I looked the town up before re-watching "Silent Hill" movie. This documentary adds a great deal of realism to eerily absorb a horror flick. Well done!

I grew up in the area. sad but amazing place. as a kid I remember driving through at night when tha main road was still open and you could see red glowing rocks on the side of the road with lots of smoke coming up. watched the town slowly disappear over the years. I used to service the 2-way radios for the fire station there in the early 90's. Great video. Thanks for making this!

I've watched countless documentaries about Centralia and even visited it myself in the early 2000s. This is one of the best ones. I've seen footage, and found out about history I never knew or or saw before. You also did something most don't. Gave tangible footage of the current state of the fire with proof that it's still burning and spreading. You're incredible at this.

Excellent documentary. I have watched stories about this town in the past, but yours is by far the best. Thanks

One of the better videos I have seen on this subject. You approached it with a respect and understanding many others lack. I found your video not only informative but very heartfelt and sympathetic.

I've watched programs on this and none of them mentioned the "control" burn that started it. Thank you so much for the research and information you have provided.

To me the slickest part of this extremely good documentary (I've watched a few on Centralia and this is the best) is the superimposition of the old original photos over the current locations. I LOVE seeing the contrast that way in documentaries...it really makes it "real". And you included a LOT of old video I've never seen. 👍 So many are confused over the shirts you guys are wearing, but it makes great sense. Anyone who saw you all out there knew you were together, on the same team, and it looks professional compared to a ragtag group of guys in wife beaters and daisy dukes. 😛 This is a top-notch production. Great job!

I love history like this. You did such a good job with this video. Best I've seen about the town. So sad about the town. THANK YOU!!

Truly great documentary, I remember visiting Centralia with my dad in the 90's, there were still quite a few homes there and we talked to some of the residents. I remember seeing smoke coming up some of the nearby sinkholes and the ground was incredibly hot near them. It was incredible to see but very sad for those residents.

This is what a documentary should look like. I have seen several videos on this town, but this is the first that actually made it feel like a real town that was lost and not just a moral statement or tourist attraction.

I lived in PA in the late 60's and early 70's and remember this town ... it is such a shame that once again our government does something and the people get screwed. One has to wonder if the original dump had been used forever if this would never have happened. You did and excellent job on this and I really enjoy all of your videos.

this is the first youtube video i’ve ever sent to my grandparents- that’s how good it is. well done!

I've seen many videos on this town. This is the most in-depth and best I've seen. Learned more today then i did previously. Thank you. ❤😊

Dude, I don't usually bother to comment or even to like videos on RU-vid, but you guys deserve this and a lot more. What an amazing video and research effort! Congratulations on this work that I'm without word to describe how awesome it is.

This is one of the best, if not THE best, documentary I've seen on Centralia. No gimmicks or crazy intros/interjections. Just dedicated storytellers constructing the events in a cohesive manner and ultimately celebrating what was Centralia rather than mourning it. Well done!

Well documented, people will be watching this for forever. Thank you for all your effort and including original footage from the time and showing us what it used to be.

This is the type of documentary I used to love listening to at night while falling asleep as a kid. The story, just the details and facts. No glorification, no overdone stuff, just the straight up truth and history. ❤️

The respect and courtesy you show in your videos towards occupants of the locations, and towards the sites themselves, is so refreshing in today's atmosphere of greed and insensitivity. Many thanks for your exceptionally civilized approach to your subjects.

Laying in bed not feeling well and watching this entire documentary from start to finish. It’s so interesting to hear about the story of Centraila. And you’ve made it so entertaining and informative to watch

I've watched a lot of documentaries on this ans your's gave more information that i haven't heard before.Also I respect you for just letting the residents be even thoug it would have been interesting to get there in put ! Amazing work!!!!

Your attention to detail and the emphasis on the human aspect of this sad situation is why I enjoy your documentaries so much. Thank you for these. Well done.

Very accurate documentary! I first saw Centralia in 1984 and was shocked! I've been working nearby for 33 yrs now and slowly saw the town dissappear. I heard rumors that the fire was set deliberately to get the people to abandon the town so as the state could get the mineral rights the citizens had since the 1800's, also there is a rumor that uranium is among the coal seams in the area. If you drive around the different towns, most are looking like Centralia because coal is only mined by state contracted companies. 50 years from now, mining towns of yesterday will be gone and owned by the state! (All for proffit). BTW.... if anyone disagrees with me it's because they believe it's OK to take for themselves anything that other people worked so hard for, and not have any guilt, repercussions, or remorse.

This was amazing. Thank you for making this.

What surprises me is that the fire department is still in service. With only 5 people in the town that must be the worlds smallest fire department. The GMC they have is nice too, those things run beautifully. A few departments in the western US still use them as brush trucks.

I was not only alive, but adult when most of this happened. It was so criminal what happened there. NEVER trust the government to move fast enough to help people.

I'm not sure how I ended up here but this was splendidly done. I've never heard of this town. But this is an historical recording for our era. I commend everyone who worked on this project. It felt like being in history class - I'm a history nerd 🤓 😅

This channel always delivers. Consistently interesting and the fact that he actually displays respect for the subjects and people involved only makes it better.

Man, this was so thorough! And love the old pics and footage that you added!!

Thanks for doing this, my family has deep roots in Centralia. I have several relations buried at "St. Iggies". I also have a photo from Jack McGinley's bar from 1934 with many patrons and their names.

My family is from Centralia. I have ancestors buried there. It makes me so sad whenever I watch a documentary on it.

This must've been the best video on the inferno of Centralia that I have seen on this site, or in general. Truly professional, and I do appreciate the privacy you & your crew gave to the few residents of this evanescent town.

Just wanted to say that this documentary is SO well done.

Your use of the "before and after" pictures is excellent! Sad and creepy, but excellent. It makes it crystal clear exactly how much was lost. It's absolutely amazing that an entire town can just disappear and be reclaimed by nature.

I grew up in Philadelphia, PA & still live here. I can’t believe I never heard of this previously. This is a very sad story all around for the state of Pennsylvania.

abosolutely amazing job, well prepared, written and delivered, thank you for this great documentary

This was a well put together documentary.. very interesting. Thank you for your time. Sad how history can be forgotten, and our present day appreciates

I went to college in Wilkes-Barre early 70's. Friends and I went to see the coal fires. At night it was very eerie, blue flames coming from the ground where coal veins were near or at ground surface. It looked like the surface of another planet in winter with snow on the ground. We wondered if people would have to leave someday...

I live 15 mins away over that mountain side . I remember when the trees where white from fires burning underneath that killed the roots . It was super spooky and such a shame how this was a cool small town . There’s a massive coal vein that they discover recent that it runs from there to New York believe it’s called now the mammoth vein if I’m correct . So much history up in smoke !!