Have you ever been driving along a road and, maybe just out of the corner of your eye, you noticed an old building or series of buildings, decayed and pretty much forgotten? Have you ever wondered about the stories behind those old buildings? Some offer fascinating tales, providing a glimpse into history – like the Keystone Ordnance Works, an abandoned World War II factory in Pennsylvania.

The United States entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams This was more than two years after Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, signaling the start of the war. A huge part of Pennsylvania history has to do with this war.

With the U.S. now part of the war, companies were needed to manufacture critical supplies, including TNT that would be used overseas.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams One of those factories would be in Crawford County in Western Pennsylvania.

Several days after the bombing, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer awarded a $45 million contract to Frasier-Brace Manufacturing to build a TNT factory not too far from Meadville.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams The factory sat on nearly 15,000 acres, mostly on farmland and swamp areas.

Keystone Ordnance Works opened in September 1942, less than a year after construction began on the factory.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams More than 8,000 Western Pennsylvanians, including those from as far away as Pittsburgh, worked at the factory during its heyday.

The factory’s rapid response to the need for TNT meant they produced sufficient supplies of their product.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams In fact, their response was so efficient that the military had more explosives than it needed.

Less than a year after it opened, Keystone Ordnance Works shut down in February 1944.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams Although it reopened during the summer of 1944, it was only temporary.

Throughout the years, the buildings have been used for different purposes.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams However, today, most of these historic ruins in Pennsylvania sit abandoned and forgotten to time, with curiosity seekers filming footage with drones and snapping photos.

Before attempting to visit the site of the former Keystone Ordnance Works, contact officials with Crawford County to see if you need permission.

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams If you do, make sure you get it before venturing near it. You wouldn’t want to run into trouble with the authorities!

Did you know about this now-abandoned World War II factory in Pennsylvania? Have you ever seen it? If so, what did you think? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams

This was more than two years after Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, signaling the start of the war. A huge part of Pennsylvania history has to do with this war.

One of those factories would be in Crawford County in Western Pennsylvania.

The factory sat on nearly 15,000 acres, mostly on farmland and swamp areas.

More than 8,000 Western Pennsylvanians, including those from as far away as Pittsburgh, worked at the factory during its heyday.

In fact, their response was so efficient that the military had more explosives than it needed.

Although it reopened during the summer of 1944, it was only temporary.

However, today, most of these historic ruins in Pennsylvania sit abandoned and forgotten to time, with curiosity seekers filming footage with drones and snapping photos.

If you do, make sure you get it before venturing near it. You wouldn’t want to run into trouble with the authorities!

If you’re a history buff, you’ll also want to take a peek at these 11 photos taken in Pennsylvania during World War II.

For more insights into World War II and the effect it had on this country, watch this video:

 

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Address: Meadville, PA 16335, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Exploring Pennsylvania History February 01, 2023 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where can we learn more about Pennsylvania’s history?

The Raven Rock Mountain Complex – Located near Blue Ridge Summit, the complex—which is also known as “Site R”—was designed to serve as a second Pentagon should there be a nuclear attack on the United States. This was during the Cold War The Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Located near Avella in Washington County, this is the site of what is believed to be the oldest known evidence of humanity in the Americas. The artifacts date back at least 16,000 years. Ole Bull State Park – Located in Cross Fork, the land was originally plated in the hopes of creating a Norwegian settlement for the many Norwegians who had come to the area at that time. Unfortunately, that idea only lasted a year, but the park is a beautiful remnant.

Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania’s history.   Where are there other ruins in Pennsylvania?

The Lausanne Ruins – Located in Carbon County, there is a beautiful hike to get to the ruins. The trail is believed to be a former 1700s and 1800s stagecoach route. Dead Man’s Hollow – Located in McKeesport, these ruins are that of a century-old industrial factory. The site is found deep in the woods and there are approximately six miles of trails that go by this and two other enchanting sites. Village of Yellow Springs – Located in Clarks Valley, this was formerly a coal mining village that was abandoned long ago. You can get there via the aptly named Yellow Springs Loop Trail.

Read on to learn more about the numerous ruins in Pennsylvania.   What are some of the most historic restaurants in Pennsylvania?

McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Located in Philadelphia, it is now the state’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Hublersburg Inn - Located in Howard, it is a truly enchanting remote Bed & Breakfast Inn and restaurant serving up some of the best food in the region. Bube’s Brewery, Dining, and Entertainment - Located in Mount Joy, this establishment dating back to 1876 offers themed murder mystery dinners, fine dining underground in The Catacombs, and ghost tours.

Read on to learn more about historic restaurants in Pennsylvania.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Exploring Pennsylvania History

February 01, 2023

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where can we learn more about Pennsylvania’s history?

The Raven Rock Mountain Complex – Located near Blue Ridge Summit, the complex—which is also known as “Site R”—was designed to serve as a second Pentagon should there be a nuclear attack on the United States. This was during the Cold War The Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Located near Avella in Washington County, this is the site of what is believed to be the oldest known evidence of humanity in the Americas. The artifacts date back at least 16,000 years. Ole Bull State Park – Located in Cross Fork, the land was originally plated in the hopes of creating a Norwegian settlement for the many Norwegians who had come to the area at that time. Unfortunately, that idea only lasted a year, but the park is a beautiful remnant.

Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania’s history.   Where are there other ruins in Pennsylvania?

The Lausanne Ruins – Located in Carbon County, there is a beautiful hike to get to the ruins. The trail is believed to be a former 1700s and 1800s stagecoach route. Dead Man’s Hollow – Located in McKeesport, these ruins are that of a century-old industrial factory. The site is found deep in the woods and there are approximately six miles of trails that go by this and two other enchanting sites. Village of Yellow Springs – Located in Clarks Valley, this was formerly a coal mining village that was abandoned long ago. You can get there via the aptly named Yellow Springs Loop Trail.

Read on to learn more about the numerous ruins in Pennsylvania.   What are some of the most historic restaurants in Pennsylvania?

McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Located in Philadelphia, it is now the state’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Hublersburg Inn - Located in Howard, it is a truly enchanting remote Bed & Breakfast Inn and restaurant serving up some of the best food in the region. Bube’s Brewery, Dining, and Entertainment - Located in Mount Joy, this establishment dating back to 1876 offers themed murder mystery dinners, fine dining underground in The Catacombs, and ghost tours.

Read on to learn more about historic restaurants in Pennsylvania.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

  • The Raven Rock Mountain Complex – Located near Blue Ridge Summit, the complex—which is also known as “Site R”—was designed to serve as a second Pentagon should there be a nuclear attack on the United States. This was during the Cold War
  • The Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Located near Avella in Washington County, this is the site of what is believed to be the oldest known evidence of humanity in the Americas. The artifacts date back at least 16,000 years.
  • Ole Bull State Park – Located in Cross Fork, the land was originally plated in the hopes of creating a Norwegian settlement for the many Norwegians who had come to the area at that time. Unfortunately, that idea only lasted a year, but the park is a beautiful remnant.

Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania’s history.

Where are there other ruins in Pennsylvania?

  • The Lausanne Ruins – Located in Carbon County, there is a beautiful hike to get to the ruins. The trail is believed to be a former 1700s and 1800s stagecoach route.
  • Dead Man’s Hollow – Located in McKeesport, these ruins are that of a century-old industrial factory. The site is found deep in the woods and there are approximately six miles of trails that go by this and two other enchanting sites.
  • Village of Yellow Springs – Located in Clarks Valley, this was formerly a coal mining village that was abandoned long ago. You can get there via the aptly named Yellow Springs Loop Trail.

Read on to learn more about the numerous ruins in Pennsylvania.

What are some of the most historic restaurants in Pennsylvania?

  • McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Located in Philadelphia, it is now the state’s oldest continuously operating tavern.
  • Hublersburg Inn - Located in Howard, it is a truly enchanting remote Bed & Breakfast Inn and restaurant serving up some of the best food in the region.
  • Bube’s Brewery, Dining, and Entertainment - Located in Mount Joy, this establishment dating back to 1876 offers themed murder mystery dinners, fine dining underground in The Catacombs, and ghost tours.

Read on to learn more about historic restaurants in Pennsylvania.