You’ll find Andrico nestled in Columbia County‘s northeastern hills, where coal seams once fueled an empire and now feed an inferno that’s burned beneath the earth for over six decades. Richard Howard Jamison’s 1909 mining operation extracted 549,000 tons annually before closing in 1926, leaving seventeen skeletal streets reclaimed by nature. Today, steam vents, 140°F soil, and volcanic fissures mark this active disaster zone accessible via abandoned Route 61—though respecting boundaries and heeding warnings becomes essential. The surrounding region harbors similar ruins worth discovering on your Pennsylvania ghost town journey.
Key Takeaways
- Andrico Mine operated from 1909 to 1926 in Columbia County before the Ackerman family transformed it into The Woodlands in 1932.
- Access the site via northeastern Columbia County at coordinates 40°48′12″N 76°20′30″W through the Bloomsburg–Berwick metropolitan area using abandoned Route 61.
- Explore seventeen abandoned streets and underground remnants, but beware of toxic gases, sinkholes, and 140°F soil temperatures from the 1962 coal fire.
- Stay on public roads, wear sturdy boots, respect residents’ property, and heed all warning signs in this active disaster zone.
- Extend your trip to nearby ghost towns including Salemville, Yellow Dog Village, Pithole, and Bracken along Pennsylvania’s Ghost Town Trail.
History and Heritage of Andrico’s Coal Mining Legacy
When Richard Howard Jamison surveyed the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania in the early 1900s, he saw more than farmland—he recognized the black seams of bituminous coal that would transform this quiet corner into a bustling industrial outpost. After purchasing land from the Guthrie family in 1909, he established Andrico Mine, where 283 workers would eventually extract 549,000 tons annually by 1913.
The mining techniques evolved rapidly—electric motors replaced mule-drawn wagons, and single light bulbs illuminated miners’ homes. This community impact was profound yet fleeting. By 1926, the seam ran dry, and Andrico joined countless Pennsylvania ghost towns. The Ackerman family purchased the abandoned property in 1932, transforming it into what is now known as “The Woodlands.” You’ll find echoes of this two-century coal legacy throughout the region, where independent operators like Jamison once chased black gold before moving on. Unlike the anthracite deposits found in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the bituminous coal Jamison pursued lay west of Allegheny Front, making this region part of a distinct geological and industrial landscape.
Getting There: Routes and Access to the Abandoned Site
Nestled in Columbia County’s northeastern hills at 40°48′12″N 76°20′30″W, Andrico sprawls across terrain completely surrounded by Conyngham Township, with Mt. Carmel westward, Ashland south, and Girardville east. You’ll traverse through the Bloomsburg–Berwick metropolitan area to reach this ghost town via abandoned Route 61, where the infamous Graffiti Highway once beckoned explorers at 40.795556° N, 76.343889° W.
Understanding eminent domain implications becomes critical—authorities claimed all property in 1992. Since 2019, no trespassing signs guard most land, with property owners burying the Graffiti Highway under dirt in 2020.
Maneuvering restricted areas requires respecting boundaries while exploring publicly accessible spots: the church, upper town roads, and scattered viewpoints where steam plumes still rise through cracked macadam and crumbling foundations. The site remains hazardous due to the coal mine fire that has been burning continuously since 1962 beneath the surface. Nearby, the Ashland Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine offers guided tours for those interested in understanding the region’s mining heritage.
What to See at the Andrico Ghost Town Ruins
Seventeen abandoned streets form the skeletal remains of what locals mistakenly call Andrico—though the faded “Borough of Centralia” signage on the crumbling municipal building tells the town’s true identity. You’ll discover underground infrastructure remnants through venting cracks that exhale steam and smoke, revealing the coal fire’s relentless hunger below.
Soil radiates 140°F heat where basements once stood. The grid-like layout preserves remnants of daily life: scattered federal-owned homes, the Bull’s Head Tavern historical marker, and the northeast cemetery near the original trash pit ignition site. Sinkholes puncture the landscape—one plunged 150 feet in 1981.
Carbon monoxide seeps from volcanic-looking fissures across 200 acres. Beyond the bypass lies vegetation reclaiming everything, erasing memories Route 61 travelers will never witness. The graffiti highway was permanently covered with dirt mounds in 2020 to deter trespassing visitors. Despite over $40 million spent on containment efforts spanning 47 years, the underground fire continues to burn through coal veins beneath the abandoned town.
Essential Tips for Visiting Safely and Respectfully
Before you step onto Andrico’s cracked pavement, understand that this isn’t a sanitized tourist attraction—it’s an active disaster zone where the earth literally burns beneath your feet. Toxic gases pool invisibly in depressions, sinkholes yawn without warning, and steam vents mark collapsing ground. Stick to public roads, wear boots that grip unstable terrain, and heed every warning sign.
Respect the handful of residents who fought to remain—avoid their property, skip unauthorized photographs, and leave their history alone. This place demands careful documentation without exploitation. Practice environmental conservation by carrying out trash and resisting vandalism’s temptation. The fire will rage another century; your visit shouldn’t accelerate its destruction. Navigate with eyes wide open, preserving both yourself and what’s left. Watch for bright orange netting that marks particularly hazardous zones where old mine shafts pose immediate danger.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring at a relaxed pace to fully appreciate the eerie landscape without rushing through this haunting remnant of industrial America.
Nearby Ghost Towns to Add to Your Western Pennsylvania Itinerary
Once Andrico has worked its haunting magic on you, western Pennsylvania’s constellation of forsaken settlements beckons with their own tales of boom and bust.
Salemville lies nearby in Salem Township, another coal mining casualty where economic impact of abandonment transformed vibrant streets into silent foundations.
Journey north to Yellow Dog Village in Armstrong County, where Pittsburgh Limestone Company’s anti-union legacy still whispers through condemned buildings—this rare ghost town offers guided weekend tours, unusual tourist infrastructure in ghost towns.
For dramatic contrast, venture to Pithole in Venango County, where oil speculation created a 20,000-person metropolis in seven months before vanishing just as quickly. Northeast of Pittsburgh, Bracken stands as another coal mining ghost town, now marking points along the Ghost Town Trail. The trail winds through Indiana County, hosting several abandoned coal mining towns that offer glimpses into the region’s industrial heritage.
Each stop reveals how industrial decline reshapes landscapes, leaving behind skeletal remnants that speak louder than prosperity ever could.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Restaurants or Gas Stations Near Andrico for Supplies?
You’ll find slim pickings in this vanished town. Mason Jar Family Restaurant offers hearty refuge nearby, while local convenience stores and lodging options nearby cluster in neighboring Andreas. Stock up before venturing into Andrico’s eerie, forgotten streets.
Can I Camp Overnight at the Andrico Ghost Town Site?
Camping at Andrico’s uncertain, as ghost towns often sit on private property. You’ll want to consult local authorities before pitching your tent. Avoid camping on private property—explore nearby state forests for legal, freedom-filled overnight adventures instead.
Is Cell Phone Service Available in the Andrico Area?
Cell phone connectivity’s unreliable in Andrico’s remote wilderness—you’ll likely find yourself off-grid. Your best bet for nearby internet access is backtracking to smaller towns where major carriers maintain coverage. Embrace the digital detox adventure.
Are Guided Tours of Andrico Available Through Local Companies?
No guided walking tours or self-guided audio tours exist for Andrico. You’ll explore independently, wandering overgrown paths where coal miners once worked. This forgotten place rewards adventurous souls who chart their own course through Pennsylvania’s abandoned history.
What Is the Best Season to Visit Andrico Ghost Town?
Fall reigns supreme—40% more visitors flock here September through October. You’ll experience ideal weather patterns with crisp 50-65°F days, vibrant foliage framing crumbling structures, and visitor experiences enhanced by clear trails, stable ground, and minimal toxic gas risks from historical fires.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QDb8y9Nszs
- https://www.jeffreydonenfeld.com/blog/2009/12/exploring-the-ghost-town-of-centralia-pennslvania/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Pennsylvania
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygYIoJVrV5w
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralia
- https://gettysburgghosts.com/centralia-pennsylvania-the-town-that-inspired-silent-hill/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/centralia-pennsylvania-rebirth
- https://archive.triblive.com/news/man-researches-andrico-history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_anthracite_coal_mining_in_Pennsylvania
- https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/anthracite
