Coal companies utilized various architectural techniques to house their workers in the early 1900s, but the most distinctive attempt was this Concrete City in Pennsylvania. These concrete buildings were made to be durable — so durable, in fact, that they still stand to this day, long after they became abandoned Pennsylvania ruins.

Bianca Alberola/ Flickr
The Concrete City is built in the International Style architecture, which became popular in the 1920s and 30s. It emphasized a plain, efficient design and as much interior spaciousness as possible. The Concrete City was unique in that its buildings were made from, well...concrete.
Concrete City was built in 1911 and lauded as "The Garden City of the Anthracite Region." The rent on each house was $8 per month, and each had seven rooms. They were reserved for workers in higher positions, like foremen.
dave gunn/Google

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The architectural experiment was not without its problems. The porous walls dripped with condensation and residents' clothing froze in their closets during the cold winter months. One more significant issue was a complete lack of plumbing.
Tommi Meckley/Google
Concrete City was entirely abandoned by 1924. Efforts to demolish the small development failed after attempts to implode the structures with dynamite failed. Pennsylvanians are left with these historic buildings, once coveted, now crumbling.
ClaussPhoto/Google

The abandoned remains of Concrete City in Pennsylvania are not only a popular spot for graffiti artists (as you can tell from the photos) but also for paintballers. Check out this video to learn more.

Have you ever been here? Have any cool stories or photos? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments. For more like this, check out these 10 abandoned places in Pennsylvania.

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The Creepiest Places in Pennsylvania

William Suphan | February 01, 2023

What are the most abandoned places in Pennsylvania?

The most abandoned places in Pennsylvania include:

  • Centralia. This was a mining town that was beset by fire in 1962 and the mines are still alight and will likely remain on fire for several hundred years.
  • Pennhurst State School and Hospital. This place opened in 1908 and it is said that patients were tortured and abused. It was closed by court order in 1986.
  • Old York County Prison. This prison was open from 1907 until the 1970s and explorers report smelling cigarette smoke when no one is there.
  • Larimer School. This was built in 1896 and closed in 1980. The decaying ruins are purportedly going to be renovated as affordable housing.

Discover more about the most abandoned places in Pennsylvania.

What are the creepiest ghost towns in Pennsylvania?

The creepiest ghost towns in Pennsylvania include:

  • Eckley. This was a mining town that is now a massive museum. It was once inhabited by Irish coal miners who were persecuted for protesting their harsh treatment.
  • French Azilum. This was a settlement for refugees of the French Revolution and now there are guided tours of what remains.
  • Pithole. This is where America’s first commercial oil well was drilled and when it was used up, the town became abandoned.
  • Ricketts. This was a lumber town that used to thrive until resources were used up and now it’s a bare expanse of nothing.

Learn more about the creepiest ghost towns in Pennsylvania. 

What are the most haunted hotels in Pennsylvania?

The most haunted hotels in Pennsylvania include:

  • Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast. This house was built in 1870 at a British fort and children claim to see the ghost of a 12-year-old named Sarah.
  • Hotel Bethlehem. People report feeling a tap on the shoulder, cold areas, and hearing their names being called.
  • Cashtown Inn. This was a set in the movie Gettysburg and was featured on Ghost Hunters. It is said that ghosts often slam doors here. 
  • The Inn at Jim Thorpe. Gusts report waking up to see the chairs in their room are upside down and claim that ghosts roam the halls.

Find out more about the most haunted hotels in Pennsylvania. 

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