forgotten places, history, and people.
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RECENT BLOGS
Bolch/Bolick Cemetery
Just a stone's throw from Spencer Road in Hickory, NC, a long-abandoned cemetery holds the stories of one of Catawba County's earliest pioneer families. Overlooked by the daily rush of people passing by, its location is marked only by a few remaining...
Sheldon Church Ruins
The Old Sheldon Church, once known as Prince William's Parish Church, stands as a testament to the resilience of South Carolina's history. Built in the 1750’s in a Greek Revival style, the church has faced destruction multiple times, first by the British...
2nd Lt. Fred Brewer
To honor our fallen heroes, this story highlights the experiences of two World War II veterans. One soldier continues to live at the age of 101, a testament to the sacrifice of another who, at the age of 23, gave his life. While the two never had the...
Infiltrating Alcatraz
Mr. Nanney was the first property owner I ever interviewed almost ten years ago. Up until I met him, my weekend hobby of photographing and poking around in old houses was just that. But after meeting him, my love for abandoned houses evolved into something...
The McLendon Cabin
When Joel McLendon came to Moore County in 1758 to claim his grant of 200 acres, he selected a slope overlooking Buck Creek as the perfect site for his home. Built around 1760, he constructed this 1.5 story, single pen log cabin with half dovetail joints...
The Old Scotch Graveyard
“In this graveyard, the earliest settlers sleep: the old man and infant child lie side by side, emphasizing the brevity of life and the small difference between a long life and a short one. All that tread the globe are but a handful to the tribe that...
Randolph Macon College
Even though these particular ruins suggest otherwise, Randolph Macon College is the oldest college still in continuous operation today. Located along the Virginia Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, the old Randolph Macon College was built over...
Thistle Ghost Town
The only evidence that remains of a once bustling railroad town is this single homestead, half submerged in an algae covered pond in the Spanish Fork Valley of Utah. Known as Thistle Ghost Town, it was originally settled by pioneers in 1848 as part of...
Studebaker Commander
Produced by the Studebaker Corporation from 1927 to 1966, the Commander was a popular model known for its stylish design and reliable performance, debuting as a replacement for the Studebaker Big Six. Initially, it was available as a four-door sedan and...
St. Matthews Lutheran Church
Lutheranism had been established in Davie County, North Carolina prior to the Revolutionary War. The Lutheran Synod of North Carolina was formed in 1803. St. Matthews Lutheran Church began as a primitive log building in 1840 and served as the spiritual...
MEET THE ARTIST
I’m Laura, a photographer, genealogist, and writer dedicated to uncovering the stories of abandoned places. With over 900 homes photographed since 2015 across multiple states, I blend the visual artistry of photography with the intriguing investigative work of genealogy to breathe life back into forgotten family histories.
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