Ghastly America

11/20/2023

This is the OFFICIAL Locomotive that tragically struck and fatally struck Mary T. Wojty on August 26th, 1991.

Many explores have made the common mistake of labeling the abandoned BNSF EMD E-9 Locomotive (outside of Chicago) as the particular locomotive from the 1991 Mary T. Wojty Chicago incident (Including us.)

Today, we can genuinely show you the OFFICIAL Locomotive from that particular incident.

As Burlington Northern #9912 was traveling westbound through a station, it struck 41 year old Mary T. Wotjy, killing her instantly.

Viewer discretion is advised, Train Guru compiled an excellent video overview of the 1991 incident. we strongly encourage you to check it out for a better understanding of the tragic incident: https://youtu.be/2KP73CFhfjs?si=rrZzerqS6Y3zoj6h

Today, BNSF #9912 remains tucked away and out of public sight at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, its future is uncertain.

BNSF 9912 documented“whereabouts” throughout the years can be viewed here: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locopicture.aspx?id=75391&Page=2

Want to see MORE of the mistaken abandoned BSNF EMD E-9 ? Check out
RID, Volume 2-Episode 4: “End Of The Line”
https://youtu.be/zU_EOigP40A

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” www.hauntersagainsthate.com

11/05/2023

“Bad Beat” A glimpse within the remnants of Majestic Star Casino.

Majestic Star Casino was a casino consisting of two gaming boats on Lake Michigan. Originally opened in 1996, the two competing casino boats offered gambling tours until 2002. In 2002 Indiana legalized gambling on stationary boats.Majestic Star acquired an adjacent Trump Casino in 2007 and renamed it “Majestic Star 2” The two boats each had three floors of gaming, with a combined 1,900 slot machines, table games, a high-limit VIP room, a poker room, and a baccarat room. Dining options included a steakhouse and a buffet.

Both casinos closed in April of 2021. One license in particular was transferred to the Hard Rock Casino located inland in Gary, Indiana.

Note: This gallery/story was originally archived due to complications/errors with the production of our content. The photos in this particular gallery were the only ones that could be salvaged. This location was really unique so we collectively decided that it should be highlighted/documented, even if the quality of our content is below our standards.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

11/03/2023

“Curtain Call”-The remnants of Majestic Palace Theater

Majestic Palace Theater was constructed/opened in 1925 and operated for nearly 50 years until the 1970’s. Majestic Palace Theater ultimately closed due to the uprise and increase of local crime.

Unfortunately there ARE details in regards to this location that we deem “too intense” to cover on social media. However, we do encourage everyone to read/learn more about this location, we recommend Sometimes Interesting story below!

https://sometimes-interesting.com/the-palace-theater-of-gary-indiana/

Note: As you can tell, we experienced some difficulties with our equipment while exploring this location and not all of our photographs turned out “picture perfect.” Producing RID 2 was a challenge and we learned a lot, unfortunately our equipment struggled to keep up with the harsh elements. We initially planned to withhold this gallery due to its low quality but we think it’s vital to share our mistakes/errors as we also share our accomplishments. At the end of the day, we gave it our best shot and sometimes that’s the only thing you can do.

Want to see the walkthrough of Palace Theater? Check out episode 2 from Reuniting In Decay, Volume 2.

https://youtu.be/91nXmaxrPRU?si=FL49zBDJGlOFd25f

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

10/27/2023

A close observation of Old Joliet Prison from within the walls.

Want to experience Old Joliet Prison yourself? You absolutely CAN, visit the link below for more information.

Old Joliet Prison: https://www.jolietprison.org

Want to see more of Old Joliet Prison? We made a brief stop at Old Joliet Prison in Reuniting In Decay Volume 2, Episode 4 to examine the prison from the sky! You can watch that episode below.

RID 2, Episode 4 (37:35): https://youtu.be/zU_EOigP40A?si=sAvLYLQgH4D0Uwpr

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

09/08/2023

One year ago today, William and I reunited for three days to explore/document seven abandoned locations. It wasn’t easy, we faced many challenges and hurdles. For the first time in Ghastly America history we were utilizing film in conjunction with photography, this was something completely new to us and we had little knowledge. The outcomes were not perfect but we’re PROUD, we’re proud of ourselves because we did it! We documented all locations, safely and successfully.

With the success of Reuniting In Decay, Volume 1, William and I reunited less than a year later to produce Reuniting In Decay, Volume 2! Viewers will notice improvements and overall better quality in the second edition. Growth takes time, especially when you’re leaning something new and unfamiliar.

We experienced an adventure that we will NEVER forget, we’re very grateful for our progress and accomplishments. At the end of the day, we do this for US. We just want to document abandoned locations and preserve history, this is our way of doing it and has been since 2015. This is not to discredit our supporters/fans, this is why we SHARE our documentation. We are always thrilled to see or hear that people enjoyed our content and we’re forever grateful for that.

The story is far from over, we still have a lot to share from both volumes of Reuniting In Decay! Unfortunately we’ve been experiencing schedule conflicts with our busy lives but we have been planning some pretty awesome stuff for the near future! As always, thank you for your ongoing support with Ghastly America!

-Brandon

Reuniting In Decay, Volume 1: “The Holy Grail”

1• “The Power Plant”
2• ”Silent Thunder Speedway”
3• “The Factory”
4• “The Silo”
5• “Tennessee State Prison
6• “The Naval Building”
7• “The Hospital”

EXPERIENCE all episodes HERE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXtFn3TQFmRgHnDZuSbYgRuEFt5GXMWm6&si=ZZYTwaA7t8oWQePN

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

08/31/2023

We will return soon, we promise. Even though life has been chaotic for ALL of us, we have still found the time to plan something pretty spectacular for the future🏚️

You can always EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay here: https://youtube.com/?si=NlQGdmMWLF455tnY

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

07/30/2023

My brother and my best friend, Happy Birthday William! Thank you for ALL that you do, I hope you have a incredible day! -Brandon

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

06/05/2023

SORE above the remnants of MetroSouth Medical Center, a Hospital opened in 1905 and closed in 2019!

Watch the full video HERE: https://youtu.be/g1ZFNqBDuBs

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

06/05/2023

The remnants of Tinley Park-Mental Health Care Center (Aerial Footage)

This facility is situated on 280 acres and was in operation 1958-2012.

There’s not much information available in regards to the history of this location, we will update this post accordingly should we learn new details.

EXPERIENCE The Full Gallery HERE: https://www.facebook.com/100082682498667/posts/232147602884655/?mibextid=SDPelY

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

06/01/2023

A quick glimpse at the remnants of Tinley Park-Mental Health Care Center.

This facility is situated on 280 acres and was in operation 1958-2012.

There’s not much information available in regards to the history of this location, we will update this post accordingly should we learn new details.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/30/2023

Opened in 1936 as a part of FDR’s New Deal construction program, the post office closed sometime in the 1970s!

Not much information exists for this location sadly, we were unable to successfully explore the interior as well. The City unfortunately keeps active guard dogs inside to deter unwanted visitors.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/30/2023

Everyone please welcome the newest member of the Ghastly America family, Kenzie!

Kenzie will be William’s primary and immediate Co-Explorer, assisting him throughout explorations and behind the scenes.

We’re very excited to have her be a part of the family and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.

Kenzie got to work IMMEDIATELY, missed her first gallery? View it HERE: https://www.facebook.com/100082682498667/posts/228661413233274/?mibextid=SDPelY

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/29/2023

This location was founded in 1898 as Malleable Steel Range Manufacturing Company, this facility produced coal and wood burning kitchen stoves.

The factory moved to the now-abandoned location in 1908.

In the 1930s, the company shifted its focus to larger-scale ranges for hotels and restaurants. It also produced cooking equipment for the armed forces during World War II.

The company later changed its name to Southbend Escan Corporation in 1982, when it merged with Escan Metal Canada. The following year, all manufacturing operations moved to facilities in North Carolina.

Ghastly America explored/documented this location May, 2023 with the assistance of our newest Co-Explorer, Kenzie.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/26/2023

The Demolition of Nobel Elementary School-This particular School is located in Gary, Indiana and Closed in 2006.

Demolition began May 1, 2023, as of May 14th, Nobel Elementary is still being demolished.

Ghastly America is unable to successfully locate any sources for the history of Nobel Elementary School.

Our research continues and we will update this post accordingly, should we obtain information.

Ghastly America explored/documented this location May, 2023.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/25/2023

Situated on 556 acres of farmland, Crownsville Hospital Center was a psychiatric hospital in operation from 1911 until 2004.

The Hospital opened in 1911 for “the Negro Insane.” Crownsville was a place to house African-American psychiatric patients separately from white patients in the other state hospitals.

The first patients helped build the hospital’s first buildings on land that previously was a farm.

Some patients weren’t even mentally ill, and scores who died at the hospital were buried in anonymous graves.

At one time, 30 percent of the patients died at the hospital.

The hospital eventually was integrated and became a modern mental health facility before it was closed in 2004 because of a declining patient population.

Source of information: Kalani Gordon (Baltimore Sun)

Ghastly America explored/documented this location August, 2016.

Want to learn more about Crownsville? We highly encourage you to read Kalani Gordon’s full write up on the history of this institution.

Read here: https://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/2015/01/crownsville-state-hospital/ #1

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/24/2023

Newly documented locations are coming SOON! In the meantime, be sure to head over to our YouTube Channel and EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay!

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

Established in 2015, Ghastly America is Brandon & William. Together we explore and document abandoned locations throughout the U.S.Join us & get ready to EXP...

05/22/2023

Gilroy Stadium is a 10,000-seat arena that
was constructed in 1955 and dedicated in 1956. John F. Gilroy is the stadium's namesake. Gilroy was Gary's first athletic director!

Constructed on top of a former landfill, the site was formerly a city dump between 1930 and 1951. At the time, the dump was used for construction and demolition debris, wood, glass, metal, bricks and toxic chemicals.

The Stadium closed in 1975, By 1979 the conditions of Gilroy Stadium took a drastic decline. People once again soon started dumping garbage and furniture on the site.

Source of information: Korry Shepard

From disasters, to protest and famous musicians, Gilroy Stadium has seen a lot over the years. The history of this location is incredibly rich, we strongly encourage you to check out Korry Shepards article in regards to the full history of Gilroy Stadium!

Learn MORE here:https://www.nwitimes.com/opinion/columnists/guest-commentary/gilroys-glory-days-long-gone/article_486f4678-589d-5bea-afa0-79da0bfc6e97.html

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/20/2023

Situated on 23 acres, welcome to the remnants of National Park Seminary.

National Park Seminary, later named “National Park College” was a private girls' school from 1894 to 1942.

After the closure of National Park Seminary in 1942, the facility was then transformed into a U.S. Army medical facility from 1942 to 2004.

Photographed below are the few buildings/sculptures that have remained abandoned since 2004. In 2005, all other buildings and sites have been renovated/repurposed into Apartments, Townhomes, Single Family Homes and Condominiums.

The architectural design of the structures are intriguing, designs include, Japanese Pagoda, Dutch Windmill, Greek Temple, English Garden Castle, and an Italian Villa.

Ghastly America explored/documented this location May, 2015, our only regret is not photographing more than what we did. Ghastly America was established in 2015 so we we’re definitely fresh and new to exploring abandoned locations.

We highly encourage you to follow the attached link to learn/see more about the complex, their website even features before/after photo comparisons.

Learn more about the redevelopment of National Park Seminary here: https://alexandercompany.com/projects/national-park-seminary/

Learn more about the history of National Park Seminary here: https://retriever.umbc.edu/2021/02/an-underappreciated-piece-of-art-and-history-in-maryland-the-national-park-seminary/

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/19/2023

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/18/2023

Shine Inn Motel opened in 1953 (originally opened as The White House Motel) and closed in 2010.

Ghastly America explored/documented this location December, 2016.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/16/2023

We have officially hit 100 Subscribers on our YouTube Channel and it’s an absolute honor. THANK YOU for following our expeditions through and throughout The Lost World Of Decay. Your enthusiasm and engagement means everything to us.

If you haven’t subscribed to our channel yet, be sure to do so HERE: https://youtube.com/

YouTube isn’t really your thing? WE understand completely, wether you follow us here or on Instagram and TikTok, we still GREATLY appreciate your support.

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/15/2023

These are the ruins of a former Naval Reserve Training Building that was built in 1949 and used as a training facility for the U.S. Navy until 2009.

The building and property are both currently being redeveloped, we highly encourage you to follow the attached link to learn more!

https://www.friendsofshelby.org/projects/naval-reserve-building

Ghastly America explored/documented this location September, 2022.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay (YouTube): https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/13/2023

Fort Howard Veterans Hospital is situated on 100 acres and sits on the site of Fort Howard.

This particular site saw the War Of 1812 when the British landed thousands of men there as the precursor to the Battle Of Baltimore.

In 1940 the Veterans Administration acquired the title to the fort and began moving operations there in 1941. When the VA took over, the Medical Corps building was renovated to be the nurses’ home, infirmary, and attendants’ quarters. From 1925 to 1928 the nurses' home was the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur.

The hospital officially opened for patient care in 1943.

In 1958, the hospital was a major health services research site in the VA's effort to increase care and efficiency in its hospital system. Later this program was known as the Fort Howard Program. The program was the initiation of the Health Services R&D Service (HSR&D). The HSR&D established the VA's first intensive care unit to test the value of individual monitoring.

Fort Howard Veterans Hospital closed in 2002.

Ghastly America explored/documented this location July, 2016.

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/12/2023

Constructed in 1909, Emerson High School was the first high school constructed in Gary.

The high school flourished for years, but eventually began to experience a steady decline in enrollment as a result of the shrinking tax base in Gary.

Emerson closed as a high school in 1981, It would re-open as a magnet school for performing arts a year later.

The facility operated as a magnet school until its closure in 2008 due to a lack of funds, rapid building decay and severe mold issues.

Interior (POV) walkthrough: https://youtu.be/-fmGl9LRNQ0

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

05/11/2023

Want to see even MORE from The Lost World Of Decay? Be sure to check out and subscribe to the Ghastly America YouTube channel!

https://youtube.com/

05/11/2023

Horace Mann High School was constructed/opened in 1928. Due to the decline of Gary, resulting in the decline of enrollment, Horace Mann High School closed permanently in 2004.

Explored and documented March, 2023, during the production of Reuniting In Decay, Volume 2. This episode showcases the interior exploration of Horace Mann High School.

See the full interior gallery here: https://www.facebook.com/100082682498667/posts/209620055137410/?mibextid=SDPelY

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about

https://youtu.be/dDaVBY1Kh3Q

Horace Mann High School was constructed/opened in 1928. Due to the decline of Gary, resulting in the decline of enrollment, Horace Mann High School closed pe...

05/10/2023

Situated on 200 acres and consisting of 22 buildings, welcome to Forest Haven.

Established in 1925, Forest Haven primarily served as a live-in facility for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

It has been claimed that Forest Haven is ONE, of America’s deadliest Asylums, YEARS of medical incompetence along with numerous deaths from aspiration pneumonia eventually resulted in a judge court ordered closure in 1991.

When Forest Haven was ordered to shutdown, none of the buildings were secured and most documents, belongings, equipment etc. were left behind in 1991.

Due to the size and nature of Forest Haven, Ghastly America conducted numerous explorations 2015-2016 to document this location. The photos in this gallery are from 2015, the first exploration.

Sometimes Interesting wrote a masterpiece on Forest Haven and we strongly encourage you to check it out. The article is jammed full of vintage photos, news articles and even a few maps with labels.They have written the absolute best article on Forest Haven and we can’t recommend it enough.

https://sometimes-interesting.com/forest-haven-asylum/

EXPERIENCE The Lost World Of Decay: https://youtube.com/

Ghastly America PROUDLY supports Haunters Against Hate “because HATE is the scariest THING of all” https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/about