Centralia, Pennsylvania is an increasingly popular place to visit, especially with those looking for something not found in a tourist guide!
Recently, Landon Ellis traveled to Centralia with his drone and captured some excellent aerial footage of what is left of the town. The three minute video takes viewers over some of the key landmarks in the area, providing a fascinating look at what remains.
The video begins looking south along Locust Avenue/Route 61. In the distance, the town of Ashland can be seen. It jumps to an overhead view of the St. Ignatius Church cemetery and moves over the abandoned section of Route 61, now popularly known as the Graffiti Highway. From above the graffiti covered highway, the drone slowly descends. Eventually, it reveals several people standing there, including the drone’s operator.
The video cuts to the southern end of abandon Route 61 and begins tracking northward. A montage of clips reveals numerous four wheelers driving over the highway. Spray painted graphics and inscriptions are visible on the decaying asphalt surface below.
Around the 1:20 mark, a flyover shot shows a few vehicles and people wandering near a large chasm in the road. This was caused by ground subsidence as a result of the ongoing mine fire under Centralia PA.
Unfortunately, the quality of the video is a bit pixelated around this part. This is a real shame and might be due to the fine details found on the road’s surface.
The drone takes off again from a new location, which appears to be the west end of Laurel Street. It heads south across Railroad Avenue along Trautwine Street. Stopping near two of the last remaining homes in Centralia, the drone rises up and pans to the west. A large strip mine is visible in the distance.
Next, the video shows someone walking near a pile of garbage at the end of a secluded street. Sadly, it appears that illegal dumping continues in Centralia, Pennsylvania. It’s a reminder of just how much this town and its few remaining residents need our respect and support.
The video ends with the drone heading north to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Here, the beautiful blue domed center tower can be seen. As the drone pans around the church, the video and music slowly fade out.
at first I didn’t like showing the pile of garbage but, after reading the story I understand now. such a shame that people will STILL just throw their garbage after seeing what can happen to a town. I really don’t like the music at all. maybe same song different person, not liking her version. I live in Ohio, many family members in the area, visited Centralia many times.
Great video….awesome remake of Ring of Fire!
Great video. A comment on Quora led me to your video. Also, that cover of Ring of Fire was AWESOME!
Great video, like the song, but should have did it with the original singer, he sings it better
Live along rt 61 moved out in 1990, it’s sad what the place turned into. The redevelopment authority got 42 million dollars, I would love to see a printout of what they spent and we’re the rest of the money went.
Great video.
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing. To many haters, what does it matter what song version played, you made a great choice. Long live on J. Cash, and Centralia.
I was reading Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” and he was describing the town and its history including the fire. Had to google and take a look. Great video. Great book too especially the second half, where he comments on some of the towns near the Appalachian Trail and often their sad histories.