Virginia, a state steeped in history, is home to several ghost towns, each with its own unique story of rise and fall. These abandoned settlements offer a window into the past, revealing the reasons behind their demise and the remnants of once-thriving communities.
1. Matildaville, Great Falls National Park
Founded in 1790 as a hub for Potomac Canal construction, Matildaville was the brainchild of Henry Lee III. It flourished with a gristmill, forge, homes, and even an inn that hosted Theodore Roosevelt. However, the canal’s failure led to the town’s decline, leaving only ruins along the Matildaville Trail today.
2. Wash Woods, False Cape State Park
This seaside fishing community, rumored to have been established by shipwrecked sailors, was once home to 300 people. Despite its success, Wash Woods was repeatedly battered by storms in the 1920s and 30s, with the devastating Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 marking its end. Today, visitors to False Cape State Park can explore its overgrown cemeteries and the remains of a church.