15 Must-Visit Derelict Factories for Urban Explorers
Derelict factories are a common sight in many urban areas. These abandoned industrial sites tell the story of a bygone era when manufacturing was at its peak, and cities were bustling with activity. For some people, exploring these derelict factories is an exciting adventure into history and architecture. Here we have compiled the top 15 derelict factories that should be on every Urban Explorer’s list.
1. Packard Automotive Plant – Detroit, Michigan
The Packard Automotive Plant is one of the most iconic derelict factories in America. The plant was built in 1903 and produced luxury cars until it closed down in 1958. Since then, the factory has been left to decay, but its grand architecture still stands tall.
2. Fisher Body Plant – Flint, Michigan
The Fisher Body Plant is another iconic automotive factory that has been left to ruin since it closed down in 1987. The plant was once home to General Motors’ assembly line for Buick cars and employed over 12,000 workers at its peak.
3. Bethlehem Steel Mill – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The Bethlehem Steel Mill was one of America’s largest steel mills during World War II and the post-war years. The mill produced steel for battleships and other military equipment during the war before transitioning to civilian production after the war ended.
4. Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant – Richmond California
This Ford assembly plant opened up shop back in 1930s producing vehicles such as Model T’s all through till closing doors during World War II where they switched production towards tanks for war efforts.
5. Sloss Furnace – Birmingham Alabama
Built back in 1881 this furnace went on to produce iron ore products which helped fuel Birmingham Alabama’s growth into a major city known today as “Magic City”.
6.The Old Chicago Post Office- Chicago,Illinois
Once upon a time this building served as headquarters not just for mail but also the office for Al Capone’s brother, Ralph. The building has been abandoned since 1995.
7. Union Station Power House- Gary, Indiana
This power house was operating until around the 1950s and when it shut down it took with it a huge portion of the city’s economy as well as jobs for many residents in this area.
8. Old City Hall Subway Station – New York City
The abandoned station is located on the lower level of what is now known as Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station in Manhattan.It operated from 1904 to 1945 before being closed off to public use.
9. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built back in 1829,this prison had an interesting history that saw inmates living in solitary confinement which meant that they were not allowed any human contact outside their cells.
10. Fordlandia – Santarem, Brazil
This was initially built to serve as a rubber plantation for Henry Ford’s car company but due to various reasons such as disease and poor labor conditions,it eventually ceased operations.
11.Arrowhead Brewery -Newark NJ
This brewery was once home to Ballantine beer which at its peak produced over four million barrels annually.The site has been abandoned since the late seventies
12.Southern Mill- Dalton Georgia
Once upon a time this mill employed thousands of workers producing carpets and textiles.Many years later,the factory sits empty although there are rumors about future plans for redevelopment
13.Penn Hills Resort – Analomink ,Pennsylvania
What used to be one of America’s most luxurious honeymoon resorts,Penn Hills Resort has long fallen into disarray with moss covering rooms and furniture still inside those rooms dating back decades ago
14.Lawrenceville Coke Works-Pittsburgh PA
The coke works were once part of Pittsburgh’s booming steel industry,but today all that remains is a haunting ghost town with signs of life from the past still littering the ground.
15. Fisher Body Plant 21 – Detroit, Michigan
The plant was one of many that helped build out America’s auto industry and was once hailed as an engineering marvel.It has been closed since 1984 and is a popular spot for urban explorers to visit.
In conclusion, derelict factories are not only remnants of our industrial past but also serve as a reminder of how cities have changed over time. They offer a unique opportunity to explore history and architecture in its rawest form. These top fifteen derelict factories should be on every Urban Explorer’s list as they provide some insights into what once was and now serves more like forgotten relics from times gone by .