Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Old Shawneetown In Illinois
Laura
Author
In 1748, Old Shawneetown Illinois was established. It used to be a big, bustling town, one so famous that Lewis and Clark visited here. It was actually home to the first chartered bank in Illinois. In fact, only Old Shawneetown and Washington D.C. were towns chartered by the United States government at this time. So what happened to this once-burgeoning town? Why is the population only 278 people these days? Find out answers to these and more when you dive deep into the creepiest abandoned town in Illinois – Old Shawneetown.
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Get an in-depth look at Shawneetown:
Have you heard of Old Shawneetown, Illinois the creepiest abandoned town in the Prairie State? Did you ever drive through the town during daylight? What are your favorite abandoned places in Illinois? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments! Or, if you want to learn about a few of the other ghost towns in Illinois? Go on an adventurous road trip and check out some of our other all-time favorite creepy places in Illinois.
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More to Explore
Abandoned Places In Ilinois
What other abandoned places are there in Illinois?
Other abandoned places in Illinois include:
- Ashmore Estates
- Illinois Soldiers and Sailors School
There are several fascinating abandoned places in Illinois. For a creepy adventure, visit Ashmore Estates. This old building operated as an asylum from 1959 - 1986. It’s been left to decay ever since. Today, paranormal enthusiasts flock to this dilapidated structure in search of ghosts. Rumor has it, this place is full of them. If you love this eerie place, then you’ll definitely want to visit Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School. This empty building is located in Normal, Illinois, and some say it’s full of otherworldly spirits.
Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Illinois?
A hiking trail to an abandoned place in Illinois is in the Shawnee National Forest.
There’s a trail inside the Shawnee National Forest that leads to one of the most incredible abandoned places in Illinois. After a quick walk, you’ll soon reach the remains of a Native American village. From 1350 - 1550 AD, there were 26 homes tucked along this bluff. This breezy trail is less than a mile long, and it’s easily accessible for all skill levels. Bring the family along and experience a bit of history.
What ghost towns can you find in Illinois?
A ghost town in Illinois is Cairo.
There are so many amazing ghost towns in Illinois. If you’re looking to get out and explore, visit the town of Buda. This area only has about 500 residents, but it feels completely empty. Many of the buildings are boarded up, and the streets are often totally silent. The town of Cairo has a similar story. Though not completely abandoned, this tiny town feels isolated and empty. This place thrived in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it eventually fell victim to the Great Depression. Today, nearly 2800 people live here. Have you visited any of these “living” ghost towns?