North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies states that instructed its delegates to vote for independence from the British Crown. Once the Revolutionary War was over, North Carolina developed into a slave plantation system.
North Carolina also became one of the eleven states that seceded from the United States, resulting in the Civil War. North Carolina’s history has seen several ups and downs, and this dynamic history has created some of the historical places that are now abandoned.
In this article, we will talk about a few abandoned places that have their mark on North Carolina history pages.
Abandoned Places In North Carolina (NC)
Abandoned places have an aura that simultaneously attracts and repels people. The stealthy atmosphere, mysterious fog, and overgrown trees encapsulate the abandoned places, making people curious.
If we are talking about abandoned places in North Carolina, you will be surprised by the sheer number. Visiting these sites, you can feel the energy that was once a part of these locations.
However, today, these places fall under the abandoned places in NC. Some of these places are overtaken by nature’s forces, while some are in bad condition due to changing weather. If you are an adventurer, then these places have everything to get your adrenaline rushing.
1. Ghost Town In The Sky
Ghost Town is a dream project of a Virginian native, R.B. Coburn, who wanted to create the Wild West in North Carolina. R.B. Coburn purchased a piece of land at the foot of a great smoky mountain and created an infrastructure that soon became one of the world’s top tourist attractions.
The park was divided into several sections depicting different themes at different allegations. At the time, the total cost of constructing the part was $1 million. With time, several other features were added to make the park easily accessible to the audience.
The park was always in need of maintenance, and it seemed Coburn was not qualified to maintain it. After an accident in which a chair lift malfunction left people hanging for two hours, Coburn decided to close the park’s doors and sell the property.
Since Ghost Town has been abandoned in the mountains, making it one of the most interesting abandoned places in North Carolina.
2. The Old Cannon Memorial Hospital
Next on our list is an abandoned hospital, which also ranks on our haunted places list. The Old Cannon Memorial Hospital was built in 1962 to replace the outdated Grace Hospital III.
However, in 1999, the Old Cannon Hospital merged with the neighboring city hospital, abandoning the original infrastructure. Since then, this hospital has stood alone in the wild.
Over time, the building has become a spooky place, making it one of the best abandoned places in North Carolina to spend your weekend.
3. Castle Mont Rouge
We all love fairy tale castles, but more than that, we love abandoned castles with ghostly vibes to them. Deep in the North Carolina forest’s middle lies an abandoned fairy tale castle, Castle Mont Rouge.
The castle is the result of a local artist. This castle was made as a part-time studio. Unfortunately, the castle was not able to attract people towards itself and soon was left abandoned.
Today, the castle has become one of the most enticing abandoned places in NC for people who love exploring old castles and buildings.
4. North Wilkesboro Speedway
North Wilkesboro Speedway was an international circuit for speed racing. Enoch Stanlyt opened it in 1947 as a dirt track. Soon, it became popular and started hosting NASCAR races.
Enoch drew his inspiration from creating a race track from stock car racing. After several attempts, Enoch was able to get its first investment of $1500 and complete the tracks.
Despite being one of the popular race tracks today, it is abandoned, with only adventurers as viewers.
5. Davis Hospital
Nothing feels more haunted and terrified than an abandoned hospital. Davis is the second hospital on our list. It is one of the old hospitals located in Statesville and is linked with several ghost stories.
Davis Hospital was once a booming hospital that served hundreds of patients every day. However, since relocating in the 1980s, the hospital has fallen into decay.
Many haunted local folktales related to the hospital spark interest in adding this place to the discovery checklist of the most abandoned places in North Carolina.
6. Henry River Mill
The Henry River Mill was opened in 1905, and like other towns, prosperity followed. Before anybody knew it, the town grew to include more than 20 buildings, which were populated by people who exclusively worked at the mills.
The town and mill lasted only half a century. Henry River Mill became less useful as the industry was introduced to technological innovation. The town was abandoned in 1987, and since then, it has been nothing more than a ghost town. It is the only abandoned place in NC that is up for sale.
7. Endor Iron Furnace
The Endor Iron Furnace holds a memorable place in North Carolina history. It is located in the middle of the 426-acre natural park. The furnace is 35 feet tall and is made by stacking bricks in layers.
This Iron Furnace is an important part of North Carolina History. It was used to make material used in the Civil War. While you explore the natural park, you will find the furnace near a river.
Although the Endor Iron Furnace was in service for only a decade, it was left in the wild after the Civil War. Today, it is one of the most amazing abandoned places in North Carolina.
Immigrant Struggle and Abandoned Spaces in North Carolina
As I have already mentioned, numerous historical factors led to the abandonment of several communities in North Carolina.
For example, in the early 20th century, the Henry River Mill Village had a thriving spindle mill. However, the mill shuttered in the early 1970s due to the downturn in the textile sector, which resulted in the village’s demise.
Similar to this, the Stonewall Jackson Reform School expanded from a tiny facility to a sizable establishment but was forced to close and then be abandoned due to abuse allegations.
These abandoned places often reflect economic shifts and policy changes that rendered them obsolete.
The transition from thriving communities to ghost towns can happen when industries collapse or when new laws make old practices illegal, like moonshining in Buffalo City.
This history of abandonment due to economic and regulatory changes parallels the challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the USA.
Due to their lack of acquaintance with local laws and ordinances, Indian immigrants frequently have trouble finding accommodation. They can find it difficult to comprehend US credit systems, real estate rules, and rental agreements.
Similar to how inhabitants of deserted towns could have been unprepared for the shifts that brought to the downfall of their communities, Indian immigrants may find themselves adrift in an unfamiliar housing market without enough information or assistance.
Moreover, just as abandoned places are left behind due to systemic changes, Indian immigrants can feel left behind due to systemic barriers in housing.
These barriers include legal status, which affects job security and access to banking, making it harder to secure housing.
The sense of being ‘abandoned’ by the system is a shared sentiment between the deserted towns of North Carolina and the housing struggles of Indian immigrants.
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in North Carolina or other states, visiting these abandoned places in NC will surely make you feel excited. However, when you visit them, try to draw parallels with the struggles immigrant Indians in the USA face.
Those who are more into urban exploration will find that venturing into North Carolina is easy. The laws are fairly simple to understand and get permission from the trespassing laws. So, all these immigrants need is to feel included.
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