I stopped here in the winter of 2020 on my way from Maine to TN...There was snow on the ground and it was dead silent all around...got pictures of the church and the deserted roads through town...truly a unique experience.

I was there in about 2014 or so. The fire started in the empty area just to the right of the new rt 61 (where the graffiti highway ends) if you’re headed toward the next town (the centralia fire station would be on your right up farther ahead). I learned a lot there from a gentleman who wrote the original book about centralia. He had grown up there. There are 2 cemeteries there. The one to the left of the new rt 61 has the vent stacks in it. When I was there, there were still several houses there that people lived in. The bench mentioned was still there. To be honest, other then the cemeteries, the empty roads and the church, there isn’t a lot to see. My father visited there in the 80s and there still was a town . When the government convinced a large portion of the people to leave, many moved to Asheville a couple of miles away. However in the last decade or so they have noticed that the ground in ashville is also rising in temperature. Which is concerning because they don’t know exactly how big the mine was and where the coal seams lead to. Oddly enough there is a busy town just past centralia on 61. It’s less then a 1/4 mike away. The town is believed to be condemned on purpose by the government. Once the town realized that the underground mine was on fire (in about 1967-8) they paid a company to deal with it. However the town funds ran out before the job could be completed. They asked the government for help. Finally in the early 70s the government came in and tried to put out the fire but abandoned the effort do to it costing too much money. The government never tried to put out the fire again. In the early 80s the government declared eminent domain on the town (they lost their postal designation and any government support, like plowing and road crews). After a lengthy court battle that went on into the 90s, they came to an agreement. The government was forced to pay everyone who still lived in the town a certain amount of money and that once the residents left or died, the property became owned by the government. It could never be sold or inherited (given to anther family member). Once the last resident leaves or dies, the land will revert to the government. Many believe that the government purposely held back on trying to put out the fire in order to take the land and the mining claims for themselves. The government will then put out the fire (or reduce it) and sell mining rights to private companies and allow the town to become a quarry. The total amount of money invested putting out the fire was less then $150,000 in 1972 money. I live about an hour from centralia. And BTW: right next to centralia is anther very small abandoned town. But it was abandoned decades before the fire due to economic reasons. There is nothing left of that town. In fact you’d never know it was there unless you knew where to look.

Just wanna thank you guys for all the great content, my father recently suffered from a stroke and has been in the hospital and your videos have kept my mind busy from worrying.

I have visited Centralia a half dozen times starting in 2007. On very cold days then, smoke would rise from cracks in the ground. Then, the highway wasn't covered, and you could see the temperature vapors from a distance rising from the cracks in daylight...pretty neat. We met a local who had a shovel who was digging dirt around his home. He told us if he doesn't put out the ground smoldering, it could catch his house on fire. As the years went on things changed. Last time I was there was in 2011 and by that time the smoke and the sulfer smell was completely gone. Before anyone says its not possible, the coal veins still lit are roaming under the town, and have potentially moved to other areas not seen from the road. You can find this by looking for dead trees. It comes and goes. The best memory of Centralia was during a cold wet rainy morning and the fog was so dense you couldn't see 100 feet ahead of you. Some of it was the smoke from the crevices. What you thought was coal that Jessica picked up was Pennsylvania black slate. The park in town has a veterans memorial and a time capsule. Shame you didn't find it. There are 45 active mine fires in Pennsylvania right now. On the drive up you or down should've stopped at the numerous beverage distributors to pick up some A-Treat soda. The flavor of their sodas are second to none! Glad to see an update to Centralia. love your videos.

Centralia was my mother, her parents and her grandparents home. It's not an evil town. It resembled the town from It's a wonderful life. Thank you for stating the facts. Somehow it got caught up in the Hollywood but I'm also very grateful that people are still interested in it. Stay safe. Even after the fire stopped underneath the ground underneath is still unstable from where the coal veins were running and burning. It has much more new foliage growing now then it had been for quite a long time.

This was really great. My father grew up in Centralia. I did a video piece on Centralia when I was in journalism school. It’s sad to think there used to be a once thriving town there which is gone. We have a lot of our ancestors in St Ignatius Graveyard.

Remember and love both. Silent Hill has always been my favorite. Such a creepy concept.

GRIMMLIFE Historians Michael and Jessica take us on another learning adventure! Once again be amazed from the knowledge they have of the history of the town and happenings over 60 years ago to even the correct definition of a graveyard and a cemetery. The drone footage is awesome and used well to show more of the area than if they had just stayed on the surface. A well planned video!! Thank you Michael and Jessica..... Happy Halloween 🎃🎃🎃🎃

Yall should visit Knoebels Amusement Park while you’re up there. They have a famous Dark Ride/Haunted House. Free admission and free parking. Just pay for tickets for what you want to ride. They get awards every year for the food too! Delicious!

I want to know more about the people that have decided to stay.

Spring break 2019 I visited Centralia on an urban explorer mission with me younger brother Jonah who was 10 at the time and dying to visit. I've known about this place since 2014 when I was working on a school project. Looking at the before and after photos I felt extremely nostalgic and could swear I've been there before. As soon as we arrived, I had a serious case if déjà vu come over me and just like that I began to see me past life flash before me eyes. Now people think I'm crazy because I can remember me whole past life. I remember going on family road trips with me large family in the 1950s. Can remember graduating high school in the 60s and raising me 7 children in the 70s. I can especially remember me husband, seven kids and I visiting Centralia in the late 70s, listening to Joni Mitchell and talking about what happened here. I was in high school in 1962 when this was all over the news. I then traveled here again with me grandkids in the 80s and died in the 90s. Now here I am again, a teenager remembering all this all because I've been here so many times before but only once in this life. It's funny how someone can only remember bits and pieces of their past life then they visit an abandoned town and it triggers so much more of their life before.

Thanks for the tour. It’s been a long time since I have been there. My family is from Centralia,Columbia, PA. My family arrived in 1907 from Lviv Outblast Ukraine. We belonged to the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Church. Most of my family members are buried there. I remember growing up and having steam come out of the ground everywhere

I lived in Gettysburg , PA for 3 years, and had no knowledge of this town or its story. Fascinating and sad at the same time. Thank you! You and Jessica bring us so much! I’m so glad to have discovered your channel, and I hope we have you for a long time to come❤️

I was just telling my old man earlier this week that I'd love to see you both hit Centralia, PA and here you are! We're both big fans of the Silent Hill games, so we really enjoyed this tremendously. Love you both! 🖤🖤

I've watched several videos on this town and it truly is fascinating. I'm a big fan of all your videos. They are superbly made.

Living not too far away, i always loved when my grandpa would take us back from knoebels through centralia. Beautiful area

Thank you so much for going huge fan . I chatted with you guys on your live video months ago I live in the area and it’s great to see you guys visiting here.

This is so awesome! I just love the entire Silent Hill franchise and a visit to Centralia is on my bucket list. Thank you so much for taking us with you. Love from Holland

Coffee and grimlife, best combo on a girl's day off.

Just discovered your channel and I am hooked on your content! Centralia looked like an amazing town back then, and in its present state looks even more fascinating with the mine fire still burning underground after 60+ years or so. Keep up the good work you two!!

Yes! As soon as you guys mentioned you would be in PA I was hoping you would go to Centralia! Excellent video!

Excellent tour. Centralia looked like a wonderful place to live before the fire. I can’t imagine having to relocate away from a home where several generations thrived. You guys always respect the locations you visit. Much appreciated by the living and the dead. 👍👍👍👍👍

Gotta love how you're advocating safe walking and monitoring of hot steam and concrete, to your girl......... Who's wearing sandals ffs lol

I love all of your videos and I know you all do a ton of research and editing just to put these together. Thank you for that. This one has to be one of my favorites! Such a great bit of history and as always, the perfect way of presenting all of it. Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication to bringing all of us you’re awesome video documentaries!

Thank you so much for pointing out that the only thing the mine fire of Centralia inspired was the mine fire of the Silent Hill movie. A lot of people mistakenly think the town of Centralia itself inspired Silent Hill in general when it didn't. Only after the films, in Homecoming, was there a mine fire.

So glad you knew only the movie town was based on Centralia. The game town was based on several towns in Japan and the Pacific Northwest.

Thank you for posting this. I was up there today, but for work at a nearby house. I didn’t have time to explore. That church stands out like crazy and has and has a definite presence.

Oh my goodness I live almost 2 hours away from there and I was just telling one of my friends about that place!! 😮😄 You guys always do such a beautiful job with your videos and give really great history about the places you visit in such an honorable way 🤗 Thank you for brightening our day! ✨

This story has always fascinated me so awesome you guys did this!!!

The story of Centralia has always fascinated me, great video, you guys are one of my favorite KZfaq channels ❤

I'm so JEALOUS! Going to Centralia is on the top 5 of my bucket list. This is my favorite you two have done!!! VERY WELL DONE!!

I’ve heard this story several times from podcasts, it was fascinating to actually see the place. Thank you!!

Anybody remember the movie with Chevy Chase called NOTHING But Trouble? This HAS to be Valkenvania!! So cool. Love from Ga♡

Bought it when it first came out in 1999! Still the scariest game ever in my opinion.

Found your channel two months ago. Love seeing the locations of my favorite movies.

One of my favorites from you guys!! Love all the history and facts you bring while telling a cool story.

Love the shots you guys captured.

I used to work for an environmental protection agency there in central PA back in the mid to late 80s and remember visiting Centralia when they were still buildings and even some businesses. It was a very cool town, very reminiscent of many towns in Central PA. It’s just crazy what happened there and it’s still happening to this day. That fire will seemingly burn forever. Very cool video. I always like seeing updated videos of the town, or at least what is left of what is there.

That was a great watch! Really enjoying the channel

Oh man, just found this video and can’t wait to watch. I’ve always wanted to visit Centralia.

Silent hill is one of my favourite films, thankyiu guys ❤ ive heard about this place. In the uk we call it the town that burns x

Quality content as always! Loved the movie and the games.

I will always click on yalls videos to support the channel, I love this stuff

As always, another great and informative video! Thanks you two.

Look forward to all your videos! ❤️ You both!!!!

How creepy...Centralia. I love this presentation. Michael and Jessica have done another awesome showcase.

I love to see GRIMMELIFE out traveling the country and showing us these interesting places.

Great job. Enjoying your informative videos

I gotta say. These morning Grimmlife vids have been a fun way to start my day! 👻🖤🌻

Love your videos! We were just there this year as well. Rented a place 20 minutes away. Such an eerie feeling being there. Had to go to Knoebels as well!

Great episode, wonderful sound to go with it . Both of you are really good at what you do. Stay safe .

Holy CRAP! Never seen a drone shot of Centralia before. LOVE drone shots. I never knew how extensive the dirt piles were. I was certain that it was only at the entrance. That was a HUGE job that entailed many many hours of work and many tons of dirt. Your docos are all awesome. They really stand out. THANK YOU!!!

I literally live 20 minutes away from the town. And the reason they covered Graffiti Road with mounds of dirt was from people kept walking it during the pandemic last year and the land owner didn't want liability for anyone who got hurt.

Well thank you! I've loved cemeteries for years, photographed many and never ever did it occur to me to wonder what the difference was between cemetery/graveyard. I guess I just figured it was all up to where you live and how you were raised. OK that last shot with the church so far off.. that was unreal. It's a beautiful church, I wish you'd have gotten permission to see the inside. I'll bet it's gorgeous

As a note to any who want to visit this area. We were just there, August 2022. There are 5 people left in town, 1 church, and the Municiple Building, and graffiti highway has been buried. You can drive through the town but will not recognize anything of the town. And Graffiti Hgw. If you do stop and try to walk where it is, just piles of dirt. The Cops will fine you for trespassing, 200-250.00.

Great job man. Thanks for your video.

Thank you for this video! I went to college close by Centralia. Visited there in 1988 to shoot some video for a journalism class. I recall driving along Route 61 and seeing (and smelling - yuck!!) the smoke. You could easily see the smoke just driving along 61. At that time there were still a lot buildings still standing. It's very interesting to see how it looks today.

May 27, 1962 was when the fire started. They never capped all of the mines. On Big Mine Run Road, about 2 miles down from the 4 way intersection, you'll find steam from the mines, which is a backdraft ventilation as the fire is not under the town any longer.

The intro-track to your channel reminds me that I have a place in my heart for Rockabilly and Skiffle.

I'm very glad I found your channel. This is really great!!

I'm really surprised the government cleaned up all those buildings, it looks like it was a really big town at one point from some of the photos you shared.

The US Government took away their post office and even discontinued their zip code. The locals can't get mail. They get a PO Box a town over if they want mail. Great video!

Great video, thanks guys!

Awesome Grimm adventure ! Perfect for October. Yous rock! Love from Cleveland

Both the movies and ps1-ps2 era of games are great

Lord Jesus watch over this little town and watch over the people in this town also, protect the animals wrap them with your love and strength , wisdom, knowledge, amen. God is good all the time amen.

I just discovered your channel and love love your videos ❤im definitely going to binge watch your videos

Hi guys . .being Pennsylvania resident I thoroughly enjoyed this video. U picked a great time to go with the beautiful fall colors we're so well known for. Safe travels ✌❤🙂

Michael and Jessica looks amazing another thrill adventure the grimmlive collective everything always amazing and the job they do is something out of this world thankyou michael and Jessica you both so incredible and happy halloween

I have been aching to see more videos on your Fall/Halloween trip! Thank you. Hopefully Sleepy Hollow , NY will be uploaded soon!

Centralia is like an hour away from where I live.Been here afew times.Great video,Blessed Be :)

The intro music is awesome 👌 thanks for bringing us along.

I love seeing the trees changing colors. Drone shots are great. :)

I'm so sad I wish I knew you guys were in Pennsylvania I would love to meet you guys since I love following your videos and all the places you go is amazing

Congrats on 200K subscribers. Big fan! Love all the content and you guys are the best!

Love your videos, be safe and take care.

Great video love you guys, I loved the Silent Hill film and game nice to know where it all started 😀 is there any Ash in the air lol?

Nothing like coffee and a little Grim Life to start your morning ☕+🎃=❤

Yet another awesome video and also pretty freaky that it exists

These 2 are great together. Love this stuff

It's amazing how in very little time it took for nature to reclaim back the land.

That was an interesting "devil" on the second stack. The devil of twig and berries. 🤣

Awesome!!!! Cant wait to watch this later

I really appreciate your time that put into Great stories of the past 👍🏻✌🏻♥️

Glad you got out there , I’ve been wanting to go for a while myself, also yes, Grim Dora for the win

Nice! I grew up and my parent still live 40mins from here. Been here a few times before they covered the road up and added all the extra security. Great vid though!

A person can have a hot time in the old town of Centralia tonight.....or on any night with the mine fire blazing since 1962. Great video and tour.

Great episode! I loved The Horrors as the background music. It really enhanced the spooky factor here.

Heckins yes!! And CONGRATS on 200k subs!! Happy Halloween 💀🖤🎃

Interesting place really liked both the movie and the game was quite cool as well thanks for sharing 👍👍

Thanks for posting. Would love to check out this place sometime!

Another great piece of work. Thanks.

Awesome! I grew up near here. Still live in NEPA. Love that you visited 💜🖤💜

Hey guys I live an hour from there love you guys

First time I have watched any of your videos and I have got to say it was really excellent! Within a minute of watching this I felt you giving off Lux and Ivy vibes, absolutely love it.....subscribed 🙂

OMG! I can't believe you were that close to me. I live very close to there. Awesome! Great video as always.

Yay! 16th! That town would be an incredible place to go metal-detecting.

So beautiful! I don’t know much about the mine fire, but, being a native Californian, I’m wondering if the fire ever came close to the surface and started wildfires as there is so many trees and brush. That’s my mindset as here in California we have so many fires unfortunately -as you know! Love your videos. You two rock. Thank you for such awesome shows.

You have such a great story telling voice. Thank you 😊

Excellent video, thanks!!!