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I Found an Abandoned Castle Hidden in West Virginia Coal Country

Tampa Jay

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On this episode of Abandoned Places it’s Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, I set out on a back roads adventure through forgotten coal country. Along the way I discovered an incredible abandoned castle-like store known as the Castle in the Coal Fields, explored historic coal mining sites, visited the New River Gorge, stopped at Nuttallburg, traveled through small Appalachian towns, and even visited the location connected to Hank Williams' final journey. Join me as we explore abandoned places, forgotten history, roadside attractions, and hidden gems throughout one of America's most fascinating regions. If you enjoy abandoned places, urbex adventures, ghost towns, roadside America, Appalachia history, and off-the-beaten-path travel, this adventure is for you. Much Ahead!

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#WestVirginia
#Appalachia
#CoalCountry
#Urbex
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#GhostTowns
#ForgottenAmerica
#travelvlog #explore

20 Comments

@TampaJay Creator 3 months ago Pinned

See you tomorrow! Thanks for always watching.
www.instagram.com/tampajay

@terrikennedy2004 3 months ago

I lived on the hill behind the company store. I used to go to the store every day. My grandmother worked in the “dry goods” section. You entered the building from the loading dock. Once you arrived on the second floor, you were in the grocery section. There was a freezer/meat cooler where you came up the steps. The room to the left where the hole in the roof was was the men’s department. Across to the other side was the dry goods - women and children’s clothing and women’s sundries. The balcony overlooking the grocery section was the office. There were bookkeepers and payroll staff there. On up to the third floor you would find the furniture department. Lots of quality furniture was available. All of our furniture came from the company store. Finally, the fourth floor had appliances, floor model TVs, etc. I used to have the run of the place in the 1960s…I would play on the elevator and just hang out. (I was just a kid)

During my time, the pathway to the other building brought you to the post office. Mrs. Bradbury was the post mistress. A lot of prom pictures are taken in the breezeway to this day😊. There used to also be offices for mine superintendents, etc. in the final section.

I think in the 80s/90s the building was used as a homeless shelter for a while, but it didn’t last. It breaks my heart to see this once majestic structure falling into such disrepair.

I wish I’d known you were in the area. I would have loved to have met you. Maybe next time.

@poppyneese1811 3 months ago

For 36 years I worked as a rep for a tobacco company and traveled these old roads time and time again. managers would accuse me of lying when I told them I didn’t have cellphone service until they came out and worked with me and found it to be so. The people were great to call on and over the years they were like family to me and I hope I was to them also.