Every abandoned structure in Pennsylvania has a story to tell. Some of those tales are forgotten with time while others become part of Pennsylvania’s rich narrative. Chances are you’ve already heard about the Austin Dam tragedy in the town, but you may not be as familiar with Pennsylvania’s abandoned paper factory.

Austin was, by all accounts, a thriving small town in Pennsylvania in the opening years of the 20th century. The town, however, was not without its problems, including a consistent shortage of water.
Google/Chuck Taft
The small town was home to numerous businesses at the time, including the Goodyear Lumber Company and the Bayless Pulp and Papermill Company.
Google/Jared Blazier
A major employer in town, Bayless Pulp and Papermill Company produced massive amounts of paper daily: 54 tons in the early years.
Google/Jared Blazier
Production numbers would increase to 70 tons over time. Unlike the town itself, the paper company survived a terrible tragedy - the failure of the Austin Dam.
Google/Patrick O’Leary
Water shortages were common in the town. Determined to solve that problem, the paper company spearheaded the construction of a massive dam in 1909.
Google/Daniel Faria

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The dam cost a whopping $86,000 to build, but problems began appearing very early on. Local townspeople, in fact, noticed cracks forming in the dam. Officials brushed off the concerns, saying the cracks were merely the concrete settling.
Trip Advisor/Bigamus
That lackadaisical response resulted in tragedy just two years later - on September 11, 1911 - when the dam failed. The flooding resulted in the destruction of most of the town.
Google/Patrick O’Leary
The human toll was huge, with 78 townspeople dying that day.
Google/Patrick O’Leary
Bayless Pulp and Papermill Company survived the dam break. It again survived another dam break and flood in 1942. The paper company wouldn't be so lucky in 1944, when most of it was destroyed in a fire.
Google/Patrick O’Leary
The company closed in 1944, and all that remains today is ruins. Both it and the remains of the Austin Dam are now part of the Austin Dam Memorial Park.
Trip Advisor/runner24

Have you been to Pennsylvania’s abandoned paper factory? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For another glimpse of history, plan a visit to this majestic mansion in Pennsylvania.

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Austin Dam Memorial Park, PA-872, Austin, PA 16720, USA