Did you know that there’s a ghost town in the heart of Bomoseen State Park in Vermont? Back in the 1850s, West Castleton was a thriving industrial town that produced slate. And since slate was in high demand at that time, the town boomed, adding a store, school, and 43 houses to accommodate the quarry workers and their families. And then, as the story goes with most ghost towns, demand dried up, and folks left.
If you want to explore the remains of West Castleton, you’ll need to take the Bomoseen Slate History Trail that’s located within the state park. As you wander towards the ruins and come across the piles of rubble, quarry pits, and inactive mills, have fun having a real-life history lesson and envisioning how vibrant West Castleton was years ago. Now that the secret is out, read on to learn more about the Bomoseen Slate History Trail and former town of West Castleton in Vermont:
To get started on your quest to explore ruins, head To Bomoseen State Park in Fair Haven, Vermont.
Google/ Bob Ricketson
As indicated in this map, West Castleton was one of the primary locations for the slate industry during the 1850s.
Vermont State Parks
Have fun pretending that you’re Indiana Jones when you explore the ghost town ruins!
Vermont State Parks
This map by Vermont State Parks of Slate History Trail is a good point of reference to understand how and where to see the remnants of the former industrial town.
Vermont State Parks
From this vantage point, you can get a full picture of how large the ghost town and surrounding areas were during the 1850s.
Google/Joe Strbo
After you’ve spent the day exploring the ghost town ruins within the park, relax and take in the breathtaking sunset over the lake at Bomoseen State Park.
Google/Sean Kennedy
If you’d like to visit more ruins in the Green Mountain State after Slate History Trail Hike in Bomoseen State Park, check out this article: These 16 Unbelievable Ruins In Vermont Will Transport You To The Past.
Google/ Bob Ricketson
Vermont State Parks
Vermont State Parks
Google/Joe Strbo
Google/Sean Kennedy
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Address: Bomoseen State Park, 22 Cedar Mountain Rd, Fair Haven, VT 05743, USA
