Saying GoodBye To Centralia Pennsylvania's Graffiti Highway 

You are absolutely correct. People have gotten out of hand, disrespectful, uncaring of others feelings , not law abiding. This virus is a wake up call to society, so people wake up.

Why do some people have to be so disrespectful. I'll never understand. I don't blame the owners for shutting it down. It's a shame that people cannot enjoy things in a mature adult manner. Thank you JP for your videos.

I'm surprised it took this long. JP, that's why I support you, you respect nature in all its beauty. I have learned so much from you.

Too bad a few dirtbags have to ruin it for everyone. I have a half pint creamer jug from McDonnell’s Dairy in Centralia that was unearthed there in the 1980’s.

Not surprised at all!! In the last 30yrs its been "all about me". Common scene , preserving history and respect for others is unfortunately a rare trait. Look at the greed going on now with the virus

I understand why they had to do it, but is so sad to see so much of history lost because of stupid people..unthinking people..

I'm glad it's gone. The amount of vandalism, litter and disrespect for the surrounding vegetation was nuts. I traveled that section of 61 through the 70's & 80's and then through the current redirect. It's a shame of the condition that area has become. The difference is night and day.

So sad. It's always the way it is. A few naughty people mess it up for everyone. I always had a plan to eventually venture to PA and see Graffiti Highway in person. Now I will never get the chance. Really so sad.

I always appreciate the respect you show towards the locations you go to. I have never been to graffiti hwy but it seems like a loss of history and in that way a little sad.

Glad you documented this piece of history, very important. My opinion also would be the fire & ATV accident were very significant along -w- other bad behavior. They pushed it closed quickly -w- the virus. I imagine the residents still there have been scared at times -w- people behaving badly. You have demonstrated nothing but respect in all you do Jay. Always stating that in videos! It is a shame when people think others property are just theirs to destroy. Acting recklessly is ok. I did like your idea of the monitored paid admission! :)

JP, you are a wonderful man, Lilli and Jill are very lucky. I love your videos and the message you give others. God Bless to you and your and stay safe. I love Centralia through your eyes.

It's sad, I live in B.C. Canada and remember hearing about the area years ago and have been following info. ever since.

Such a shame , Piece of history and fun again being destroyed. 😞😓

I am very thankful that you and your fellow you tubers documented Centralia....a sad but fascinating story. I agree about the current owners of the property and the liability issue....that's huge. Also, I'm sure the residents have been terrorized by the craziness that went on there as well, they deserve to live in peace like the rest of us. Great thoughts on the subject from someone who has been there. ...thanks JP 😊

Excellent commentary Jay! I hope at some point that the land gets developed for everyone's enjoyment. Probably won't happen in my life time, but a nice thought. I'm grateful for your adventures there, so that others can get a sense of what the place was like previously who never saw it in person. You've preserved a small part of history(in video), be proud of that. Keep up the wonderful content. 👍👊✌😷

JP we thank you. You take your time to document places like this for those of us that have watched a history channel documentary , but can't see what it is today. You have a real talent to show us the historical value of the places you show us. You let us know the past is important, and interesting.

This is the world we live in. People who grew up today weren't raised properly with respect and understanding. So now young men and women just don't care about their surroundings and such things. It does make me sad that our country has fallen into such despair.

Thank you for always reminding people to respect their surroundings and to leave things alone - that is one reason that I enjoy your videos (not to mention it has really helped during the state-imposed stay-at-home order: ) Thanks again for taking us with you - keep up the good work - you and your team are awesome!

It's sad. I had hoped to keep updated on the fired land . Mine it again! It was closed down for a reason. People can be stupid. I like the way you video the places you have been to. Thank you for the update.

It's a damn shame. It was an awesome place to visit and have safe fun.

Going to call this a combination of Public Service Announcement and benediction. I have watched a few of your vids, the first time because I am a Western Pa. native. Now, your productions will be on my regular watch list. Which has increased due to everything being shut down here in Florida as well. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

I dragged my new bride there many years ago on our honeymoon trip through Pennsylvania. I have some photos kicking around of me crouched in the gash in the road. Toasty warm it was and as she saw the town as we drove the streets with no homes, it was an eye opening adventure into the folly of man against the planet. p.s. We drove from Ontario Canada to see some of America's historical sites.

I'm sad to hear about the closing, but I'm not surprised. Thank you for sharing these videos. I wouldn't ever have been able to see it in person, so I appreciate all of your efforts to bring this history to life for all of us. Be safe JP! Thank you!

I had the privilege of going through Centralia many times before they started tearing down the town. I remember the businesses, gas stations, churches and etc. It always seemed like the residents, for the most part, were proud of their town. I feel bad for what happened to the residents and their town....it's sad. I wasn't aware that coal still had a substantial value, as it seems like most mines are closing down but maybe that's a misconception on my part.

I for one would like to thank you for the opportunity to see this town in such a way as to bring it to life again ❤ Unlike some others, you and your friends were always respectful of this place, it's history and to the few families that still call Centralia home. "One bad apple spoils the whole basket" if others had been more respectful of the place and the people and others maybe it wouldn't have come to this. You just never know... Anyway thanks again for all that you do for the respectful way in which you do it. I will continue to watch you and your friends and I'll keep my faith in humanity...this will not stop me from following what y'all do and where you go 😉 Keep the faith brothers and sisters ❤🙏 there are those of us out here that truly believe in what y'all do.

Thanks for the video Jay

I'm familiar with the history and respectfully walked around Centralia, seen the cemetery, seen the church and walked the graffiti highway from end to end. The graffiti highway is one of the coolest places I have ever visited. That it may now disappear from the face of the earth is incomprehensible to me. It makes me sad.

Can't fix stupid! Low life jerks starting fires, yelling at firemen!? This makes me sick, people like this ruin everything! They have no respect. Thank you J for sharing. 🙁

Thankfully you have it forever documented on film

Sad to see more history being leveled and banished....😕

I’m a little late to the party seeing as this was posted two years ago but your idea of a park/recreation/museum area is a terrific idea! Especially is a nominal fee is charged

Amen. Everyone needs to show respect. That is one of the reasons I watch your videos. You are responsible respectful kind an have a big heart.

I agree that they should have made it a attraction and charged a fee. Make rules, like you said. I am upset that my children won't be able to see it for themselves, however they will get to see the history of the town.

It’s just so sad that people just cannot leave things the way they are,it should be left for people to see it does have a great history behind it with the town as well,at least you have it on videos for future reference and know when will have to forget it like so much history nowadays.Thanks for recording the great history of the place.and thanks for your thoughts on what happened,looking forward to your next video,take as always.

Thank you for your video and the information about the future of the highway and town. I’m not going to lie, for personal reasons the whole situation, the way people treated the highway and behaved and now the fact that it’s being buried bc of it is devastating. It’s just a place but it meant a lot to me. Thanks again Jay, much appreciated 😊

I was always attracted to Centralia. I even vividly remember some of the buildings (that are long gone) when driving through town in my childhood. It turns out that part of my family lived there for generations, this place is in my blood! (Ancestry research) I agree with what you said in this video, thank you for posting this. I actually never stepped foot on Graffiti Highway, never had any desire to do so. I’ve been inside the one cemetery looking for a certain gravestone several times, not sure if it’s gone or what... Next time I go, I want to try to find where my family lived (Railroad Street, the one with the grass median).

It is sad that people abuse what rights that have been given them. While it is sad to see an iconic landmark go, it is good for the safety of all. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Your first video ..that guy definitely dumping stuff ..you just stopped them ..good job ...love your videos ..keep them coming ..look forward to them ..be safe to you and your family ..two thumbs up always ...

so sad to see history disappear your right it just takes one to ruin it for the rest of us it was always fun to see your videos of centralia and to hear the history its just sad for historys sake im glad you have a historical document thanks for taking me along

Hey JP, thanks for the update. I just wanted to share my story about Centralia. My family has access to a cabin in Somerset County and we go there every July. When I was in middle school I learned about Centralia from a science textbook, and was begging for my parents to drive me 5 hours out of the way to see the town. In 2014 everything aligned and we made the trip. I spend several hours exploring every crack on the highway and sticking my arm down coal vents (lol). My dad and I bought MREs for the occasion and it was just a surreal experience. In 2015 I discovered Concrete City existed and we added that to the already long trip. In 2016 I discovered the beauty of Ashland, and we spent hours walking the long stretch of main street admiring how the houses are sandwiched together. In 2017, I was lucky enough to be there to walk through the abandoned Womer family home, getting a sense of what it would be like to live in one of those houses. We also stopped at Schuylkill mall a month before it closed, which was sad. In 2018 we added a day and camped out at Locust Lake near Frackville. We also discovered May's Diner has the best breakfast in Ashland. In 2019 we added yet another day and went to the small shops in Mount Carmel, antique stores in Bloomsburg, Coal Bowl in Shamokin, the Anthricite Museum and mine tour in Ashland, and talked to locals about the state of their towns. What was once a fascination with an abandoned road turned into my love for the entire coal region. I am sad that graffiti road closed down, but I still plan on visiting the coal region every year. There's really no place in the world quite like it. Thanks for logging and documenting the place, as you said future generations will be able to see what once stood

Jay, There may have been a liability problem, so this was the only practical solution. Many places only still exist on video. At least you were able to document it. No one living there should have to put up with what occurred hope they are left in piece R.I.Pieces. Cheers, Rik Spector

I had the honor to visit Centralia back in 2016. My 1st visit. But before the visit. I did my research and know what to visit there and not too. Graffiti highway was on top of my list. I got the opportunity to walk it and not going to lie, left a tag on the highway. But I had respected when I visited the town, the church. And had a chance to talk to someone living there. I definitely agree with you JP and wasn't surprised that people would ruin it for us. The only thing I haven't found was the steam and was hoping to go back for another visit one day. Thank you for your videos.

I went there a few years ago, but I was respectful. I went there for the stories - to see the town, to feel the vibe of the place. It struck me as beautifully sad, seeing sidewalks going up to houses that no longer exist, spring flowers in beds that have been untended for years. I walked the highway, read the messages. I'm glad to have the memory of it. I agree with you wholeheartedly - there's a lot more there than the old highway. The loss of the highway, that was a long time coming, absolutely. People are becoming more and more ignorant, and so there's more damage to property happening, injuries... You're absolutely right.

Hello JP. I agree with you on your point and you couldn’t have said it any better. I have though about this after watching your last video on this with the 4 wheelers etc. In my words those people brought it to this point. Thank you for this update video. 👏👏👏👍😎

Disrespect and narcissism are rampant in America today.

This is very sad. Glad you were able to document it.

You have saved it for history.

What a shs Pame. I remember when that road was open. My twin went to Bloomsburg U. and I would go up that way to see him and take him up there. It was strange to drive on that road with the smoke coming out of the ground in the woods. It's truly a sad day for Centraila. Thanks JP for the update. Stay safe.

I think it was a good idea that they covered the road in dirt, and I do hope they plant trees or something there as well. I wasn't aware there was another way into the town (or what's left of it) other than graffiti highway. I hope it stops the litterbugs that were apparently there as well last video I saw of yours. That is just sad. Anyway, glad I got to go on a tour with you because I'm originally from a close-by town to there. Stay Safe.

It is sad to see it go, but I understand to keep the idiots out and making problems. I am very grateful that you have filmed the history and changes of this place.

Thanks for the update! I've posted this in Facebook for anyone who's interested. It's like the end of an era.

Very good points made JP. It is still like my drill Sargent in basic training said fifty some years ago. " There is always that 10 percent . That 10 percent that screw it up for everyone else."

What a shame, because of some idiots, that were disrespectful had to riun a interesting part of history. Your right jay this was bound to happen.

JP you made a lot of great solid points, its people like that. They ruin it for everyone else. I know im going to miss the videos, its piece of history.

Glad I got to take my granddaughter there before this happened. She's been wanting to see it. FROM York haven pa

My wife and I went to look for the graffiti highway a couple years ago but we couldn't find it. Sad I didn't get to see it for myself.

I’m not surprised-when I was watching your video searching for the steam-a great and educational video, seeing how hot the steam is-i was distressed seeing all the atv’s and other vehicles racing up and down “graffiti highway” going around people who were there to enjoy the the art work on the road. It was a miracle no one was hit. Too bad a few had to ruin it for everyone else.

like anything else in time it fades away or is removed or erased from time. then in time that the people that remember it pass away then it becomes forgotten. as you said Jay, it just takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. Thanks for the update and the share.

good work Jp Bor

The former Centralia mayor was the last person to live there before he passed away.

Hey great follow up to your other video. It's sad that others messed up a cool thing but I'm not surprised that the owners took matters into their own hands. If someone gets hurt on the property they can sue the owners and you know that ultimately it would happen. Making it a local attraction is a good idea but the owners would have to get some sort of insurance and probably don't want to get involved - just speculation of course. Stay safe and I look forward to your next videos. 😊

I agree with you Jay though there are many people that are disrespectful and don't care

JP it's sad to see that people will destroy property and not have any care at all and you know the main thing about it is is good to know that you've got it on video and all I got to do is go to your website and I can watch it anytime I want I wanted to go there one day but guess that won't happen unless I want to go see dirt thank you again jp4 doing videos for us so we can see Centralia

Hi Jp wow that was a shocked it one place I always wanted to see in person one day, I fully understand why and more trees isnt a bad thing at all, I'm glad you were able to document alot of it, that's why we do what we do, so when something is no longer there, it will still remain in digital form for others like mineself to thruly enjoy..

I don't remember ever hearing about Graffiti Hwy until I started watching your channel. I'm glad to have been able to see your videos of it. The good parts that you showed looked very cool!!! It's sad at what the owners are planning to do to it but I do understand their point. What you meantioned about it being a paid attraction sounds good, with rules and regulations of course!!! Living in SC and never visiting Pennsylvania, I knew lil about it. I've learned more about it in less than a week from you in your videos than I knew before watching them!!! I watched the first video I came across to see what kinda person you are. If you hadn't been respectful, with a mostly clean vocabulary, common sense and a thoughtful person with a good heart I would not have continued to watch your videos!!! I might not always agree with your opinions but I do respect them!!! Sorry bout the book I just wrote. My kids and older grandkids say I go around the world to say the simplest things!!! Woulda loved to have seen Graffiti Hwy in person but guess it's not in God's plan for my life. I do have your videos though!!! Thank you for what you do!!! It's just up my alley. When I was a teenager I was always exploring the woods around my house!!! Stay safe!!!

It was just a road. Ultimately it is private property, they can do whatever they want with it.

Tragic ending. If anything, it should be a Superfund cleanup/restoration

When I saw the atvs racing up and down the road, and aside by side on 2 wheels careening all over the road it made me sick. It is not an amusement park, people still live there. Those of us who don’t want the virus to spread are staying home to keep more people from getting sick. Those people lack a social responsibility and could care less about the rest of the country. For god sake it was a cool place to see, but the time is past. The crowds have to stop coming there at least until we have a handle on this pandemic. I think they took the only step they could, can’t make money when we are not supposed to gather in large groups. Think of how many of those people visiting the road were already spreading the virus. The situation is a no win right now. My husband is from Pa, I am from Ohio, but we both have respect for the area. Ohio has been locked down since mid March and we will respect our governor and not go out. We will miss Centralia and enjoyed your videos. Time moves on.

Thanks for this!

to think.... that I was hoping to travel there soon..... now..... others have ruined it, for me, and many others. I can only be thankful that you, and others filmed here, so at least we have this to look at. I will probably make the trip there, anyways, just to see -- what was. But before I forget, thank you for your openness and honesty..... some things that are sadly lacking in our world. And..... glad you're still here. You have a knack and a flair about you that makes you, and your videos -- not just enjoyable -- but worth watching. So..... I'll end this comment with what I always tell my firefighters, seeing how it fits you also ----- Two In, Two Out, Be Safe, Come Home.

I've been planning to visit for the last few years with my children as we had family originally from there. So sad to hear I wont be able to share this with them now.

I remember reading about this place a long time ego in a magazine. I never got to see it live so im glad u could bring it to me with your vids.

You have been saying this was going to happen if things keep going the way they were. I kinda expected it after seeing what was happening as well. Glad we got to see it through your videos. Stay safe buddy

Thanks for the video. Words cannot express how heart breaking it is to know this is the fate of the abandoned section of Hwy 62 in Centralia. I have visited Centralia 6 times. Each visit I've spent time walking, driving, photographing, and reflecting on the history of the town. I made the habit of finishing my visit on the highway taking photos of or simply taking note of all of the art which was left behind. Centralia's Hwy 62 to me is/was a very significant element for 2 main reasons. 1) It is/was the largest, most collaborative, and most organic work of art which I am personally aware of and 2) It is/was the primary reason why Centralia saw so many visitors. To some degree the number of visitors paid homage to the Centralian's who said goodbye to their home. I agree with you in terms of visitors being respectful to the residents and the area by not starting fires, leaving trash, or painting anywhere other than The Hwy. The people of Centralia both current and former deserve better.

Good to know about it thank you so much.

Thanks JPVideos for the upload. I could see it coming and don't blame the burial of the road. I'm on the side of the last residents. They should be able to enjoy the last years in quiet. I also believe that the virus situation is no excuse for bad, destruction behavior.

I was fortunate enough to have visited Centralia back when graffiti first started to appear on old 61. I saw it once, and I saw no reason to return. The situation, as is the case anywhere that people are allowed to congregate illegally, always gets abused. The very idea that it is a taboo activity attracts the unruly, and inevitably the few that cannot control their reckless behavior, spoil it for everyone that has some notion of respect. Quite frankly, I’m surprised that it has lasted this long. Now, maybe the town can recover, and perhaps even repopulate at some point in the future. The history will always be there, and maybe, at some point, it can be revisited. For now, let it rest.

Thank you sir for your service to the public with your documentation. I was fortunate enough to see the highway in 2015. It was something one has to see to believe. Perhaps the new Graffitti Higway may be the abandoned PA turnpike near Altoona.

As a life long Pennsylvania resident who grew up hearing and learning about Centralia I'm sad and disappointed. However I get why this has come to be. Your right the lack of respect is what ruined this. So glad I visited first hand, so glad my son a digital media/ photography student got to take pictures and thank you for sharing your video. Hope the history of this town lives on. Thanks

Oh loved all the videos of you and cliff made of this mysterious place Would never have known about this town if it wasn't for your channels You JD have always told viewer's to be respectful So sad but glad we have backlogs of your videos xx😣😣

I support and respect the heck out of you JP 💜

Translated in layman's terms,..... The universe is now collapsing in on itself

Sad yes! Understandable yes! Reserved on RU-vid and others like you yes! If they had did charge for entry the liability would then be on the owner and that requires liability insurance. This may be quite costly. Thank you for Sharing with information with us... It is appreciated.

Learned about the town reading Bill Brysons A Walk in the Woods. Went there during a trip to Knobels with my Daughter. Have a photo of her sitting on the green bench that had the zip code painted on it. One of my favorite photos.

Excellent video; sad circumstances

I am sad to loose this piece of history but it's true that it had become a hazard quite a while ago.

So sad that happens, I guess I’ll never get to see it, only through your videos! Thanks for all your videos!

Hi ..I love your videos stay safe..Keep doing what you do!

I have always been fascinated with Centralia. I watch everything I can find on RU-vid. It’s such a sad story and many rumors about why the fire wasn’t stopped in the beginning. That coal is very valuable so I don’t think they will ever populate that area once the final residence are gone. It is a disgrace that people today are taking advantage of the town and highway. So I total understand them shutting it down. Plus I am sure they want to get to the treasure 😂 and don’t want anyone or anything in their way! So glad you were able to go and document the history of Centralia and do it with Respect!

Well said jp

Such a sad thing to go it look fun walking on the highway looking at stuff to bad

JP, that's something I'll never get to see but, so sad.

Anyone ever hear the saying: With freedom comes responsibility!

I support your views on this 110%. People have no damned respect for anything any more. As a history nerd and a preservationist, I've always had the utmost respect for places and situations. People see all the photos and videos online showing the bench with the zip code and the abandoned dump truck and the wash house and they don't realize all these things are long gone now and there is nothing there to be seen. People need to leave those people who live there alone and show some damned respect.

@JPVideos, You made a lot of good points in this video. A lot of information that I wasn't aware of. I fully agree with you on your opinions. I've visited graffiti hwy in the past and I enjoyed it while there. I showed respect for the area while I was there. Graffiti hwy will be missed.

I think that you are right on about the whole thing, those same people who ruined it do the same thing to abandon house, barnes or whatever. If you don't own it you have no rights

I’m really upset about this! All winter long I was thinking come spring I would have really liked to take the drive and finally see centralia. I am really bummed.

You sir, are correct! It takes one bad egg to screw it all up! Now when I visited, with my nephew we visited graffiti rd and railroad ave for old rail spikes ! We never bothered anyone believe it or now residents came to us and we talked lol we were away from anyone !! But I also agree we trespassed, but others started the issue ! R.I.P. graffiti but our last visit was happy because we talked to 3 residents ! ❤

Hey J, Great video, very informative. Love your videos. Can you please tell me what a 2 by 2 is? Thanks.