By Christy O. Clark
There are thousands of places around the world that sit empty, forgotten, neglected. Most wouldn’t think that an abandoned building or amusement park could be anything but an eyesore. However, thanks to modern day urban explorers, we get a completely different view of these sames places. Further, it is an almost mystic journey, seeing what once was and what now is. Here are 3 reasons why these forgotten places are actually captivating!
Nature Reclaiming Its Space
Abandoned places show us how fast nature will take its course and take back what space was once its own. Grass that isn’t mowed will grow wildly, animals will spread seeds bringing trees, flowers, and such to the area. Slowly, the once man-made structure will turn into a space lovingly recreated by nature.
When you look at an abandoned place it may seem ugly at first, but you have to look past the obvious broken glass, rotten wood, and rusty metal. Focus your attention on the dark green climbing vines that are covering walls, the incredible trees that have rooted in the most unlikely of places, and the wildflowers springing up among the debris bringing splashes of color into the scene. Wildlife will have most likely found shelter in these places too ushering life back into the long empty space.
Incredible Architecture and Skill
Many abandoned places are very old, even ancient. Some such examples are Hili tomb in UAE dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, Beng Mealea temple in Cambodia, Dunskey Castle in Portpatrick, Scotland both dating back to the 12th century. Subsequently, there are newer places that such as New Manchester Mill ruins from 1849 in Georgia, USA. Not only is the age of these structures amazing, but so is the architecture. Due to the different building materials in the eras and regions, architecture was a signature of the time. It would also heavily influence what would come in the future. With this in mind, focus on the structures themselves. What do you see?
In ancient times, stone structures were constructed out of earth by nomadic men. These edifices were incredibly precise for the day, and show meticulous effort on the part of the builders in times where there were no tools like what we have available now. Intricate ornamental or decorative features, paintings, arches, columns, stained glass, marble floors, elaborate staircases painstakingly carved and handcrafted for these structures show a lost craftsmanship. Even the factories and homes of the more modern centuries, have fascinating designs done with brickwork, unique design concepts or use of unusual materials. Like the abandoned Igloo Hotel near Cantwell, Alaska, USA. The name says it all. Check it out here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alaska/abandoned-hotel-in-ak/
History with a Different Perspective
History is captivating. Reading books, watching videos or documentaries bring it to life. However, so does visiting a place in person that was part of that history. Imagine, standing before a centuries old castle that was once a stronghold, or a home to nobles. It’s hard to believe that people would call something so foreboding home, but castles were both beautiful and intimidating structures. Even in their decline. Walking in the same hallways, and through the same doorways as those who lived centuries before connects us to the past.
There are abandoned hospitals that were massive institutions. The buildings were elaborate. Standing there, you can only imagine the beauty that visitors saw especially with the lavish landscaping. Even old prisons were built with almost elegant towers, spires and brickwork such as the abandoned Tennessee State Penitentiary. It’s unfortunate that many times these structures held horrors within. Nevertheless, now that they are abandoned, the beauty of the hard work put into the building itself, and land around it can be marveled at.
Memories will live on
Many places that were once teaming with life, majestic places that no one would have ever thought would tumble are gone. It’s amazing just how fast things change in this world. Inexplicably, time snuffs out of existence buildings and places that you figure will always be a presence in life.
In my hometown of Wichita Kansas had a wildly popular amusement park that opened in June of 1949. Joyland, a small hometown amusement park, was wildly popular. My mom and uncle grew up going to Joyland. I spent time a lot of time there and was able to take my kids there as well. It closed permanently in June of 2006.
What makes this place beautiful? The memories, now permanently in haunting silence against the backdrop of ghostly laughter, smiles, giggles and pure enjoyment that once was. Even though all of rides are gone, the roller coaster has been demolished, it’s still a place that will always hold happiness for many of us. To learn more, check out this following article written by Emily Cowan. https://abandonedks.com/joyland-amusement-park/.
Check out Josh Pike on Sound Cloud! https://on.soundcloud.com/3PaLgngHZZgKjvWy6
