6 Ghost Towns In Vermont [MAP]
Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by Urbex Underground
If you’re searching for ghost towns in Vermont, we’ve got you covered! Below are 6 different ghost towns you can explore across Vermont along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.
We rate ghost towns in Vermont based on their status. Here’s how our system works:
- Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers.
- Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone.
- Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
- Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families.
- Semi-Abandoned: Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
- Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.
Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by Urbex Underground
1. Plymouth Five Corners
43.53395, -72.68135
Status: Barren
History:
Plymouth Five Corners was a bustling community settled in the 1800s. The town was named after the five corners that made the five intersecting roads in town. The town had a first mill, butter factory, blacksmith, schoolhouse, and hotel.
In 1855 gold was found in the region, however, mining was stopped as the Civil War broke out. Mining eventually resumed by when the gold dried up, many residents left to find better opportunities elsewhere. by 1900, the town was officially abandoned.
What’s Left?
Nothing but ruins and rubble remain. The best way to spot the remains of the old town is to take the local trails and follow the brook upstream to find the old stone foundation walls.
2. Tyson Furnace
43.46628, -72.70655
Status: Abandoned
History:
Founded by Isaac Tyson in 1835, Tyson Furnace was originally a mining community. It was created to house workers at the nearby iron ore mine. Later, the town expanded to include merchants, teachers, boarding houses, schools, and shops. But by 1855, after the mine closed, most of the residents moved away.
What’s Left?
While there is a small active community in the area, almost nothing remains other than Tyson’s Furnace in the woods right off of Kingdom Road.
3. Glastenbury
45.052528, -68.307752
Status: Barren
History:
Before the town was incorporated, Glastenbury had a small population. The town had a sawmill and blacksmith shop. It also had a store and boarding houses for workmen.
The town also had a post office from 1873 to 1878. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Glastenbury relied on the sale of wood to generate income. The town also had a trolley route, which promoted tourism. However, a major flood destroyed the railroad line and bridges.
One of the most terrifying tales about Glastenbury involves the Bennington Monster. This monster supposedly resides on Glastenbury Mountain.
One day, a stagecoach driver noticed large footprints in the mud. Then, he was attacked by the creature, and his frightened passengers saw only a pair of eyes. It was later described as a large, hairy, black monster, over six feet tall.
What’s Left?
Nothing but ruins and the stories are left of this old ghost town. Given its story, its arguably one of the most haunted sites of all the ghost towns in Vermont.
4. Somerset
42.95028, -72.98624
Status: Barren
History:
The town of Somerset is located in Windham County. The town started as a trading center, and several businesses and mills were located there. Only the foundations of some of these buildings remain today.
What’s Left?
Nothing remains of this town. However, explorers looking for any signs of a town can try their luck along the Deerfield River.
5. Ricker Basin
44.4206, -72.82567
Status: Barren
History:
The community of Ricker Basin began in the mid-1800s as a farming community, and quickly grew into a lumbering community. By 1922, there were three sawmills in the town, and a population of several hundred.
The town had a railroad station and several general stores. There were also churches and a school house. The community suffered two devastating floods, in 1927 and 1934. The second flood in 1934 wiped out many of the remaining residents and destroyed the town’s infrastructure.
What’s Left?
The town of Ricker Basin lies just east of Bennington, Vermont. It is accessible via the Molly Stark Trail, as well as the Stratton Mountain Trailhead. It is also reputed to be spooky, and the state department of forests has even run night ghost hikes in the area.
6. Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine
44.765, -72.5236
Status: Abandoned
History:
For decades, the Belvidere Mountain Asbestos mine in Vermont was a vibrant, thriving community that employed about 300 people and produced a valuable commodity: asbestos. While airborne levels of asbestos remain low, the mine’s toxic waste has polluted local streams and wetlands.
What’s Left?
Today the area is extremely dangerous and considered a superfund site. The property is watched over by a local caretaker and his dog.
Go out and explore!
That concludes our list of ghost towns in Vermont but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.
If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore other ghost towns across the country.
