Yellow Dog Village, a historic settlement in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, has a rich and fascinating history. The village was a thriving community in the 19th century, with many residents living in small homes and working in local industries.
One of the most interesting aspects of Yellow Dog Village is its unique architecture. Many of the homes in the village feature distinctive features such as clapboard siding and metal roofs. You can see these features in the photos of the village that have been preserved.
The village was also known for its strong sense of community. Residents of Yellow Dog Village would often gather for social events and celebrations, and the village even had its own church. This sense of community is evident in the photos of the village, which show residents going about their daily lives.
The photos of Yellow Dog Village provide a glimpse into life in the 19th century, and are a valuable resource for historians and genealogists.
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The History of Yellow Dog Village
Yellow Dog Village was built by the Pittsburgh Limestone Company for its workers in rural Armstrong County. The village was established in the late 1800s when iron and limestone was found in the region.
Workers who resided in the village promised not to unionize or strike, and were labeled as “yellow dogs” by pro-union miners. This type of contract led to the name “yellow dog” being associated with the village.
The village itself thrived for many decades, but it fell into disrepair and outright abandon in recent years. The closure of the mine, tainted wells, and housing crisis in the early 2000s contributed to its decline.
The homes making up Yellow Dog Village were built in the 1910s and ’20s, with the majority constructed atop the hill overlooking Buffalo Creek. A railway system was also developed in the area to ensure the limestone mined from the area could reach those in the steel and construction industries.
The village was renamed Shadyside Village after the mines closed in the 1950s. However, the name Yellow Dog Village has stuck, and the village has been rebranded as a tourist destination, offering paid tours and photo excursions.
What to Expect
As you explore Yellow Dog Village, you'll notice that the property is spread out over 32 acres, nestled along the eastern slope of Buffalo Creek, a tributary of the Allegheny River.
You'll have the opportunity to visit the former mine manager's house, which now serves as the current owner's residence, and a former boarding house located just east of it.
Be sure to check out the small barn/stable on the southeastern corner of the property – it's a charming spot to take in the surroundings.
You'll find four rows of homes, a mix of duplexes and single-family homes, downhill from the main structures, but be aware that some of these homes are closed due to structural issues.
You'll need to sign a waiver before touring the open homes, and be cautious while exploring, as many of the last residents left in a hurry due to contaminated water.
Some of the homes have been left untouched since the 1980s, with murals from that era still intact – it's a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The village's streets are crumbling, roofs are moss-covered, and vegetation is growing wild, giving the area a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
The remains of the village park are located at the bottom of the hill next to Buffalo Creek, where a playground and baseball field are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Touring Near Kittanning, PA
If you're interested in visiting the abandoned Yellow Dog Village near Kittanning, PA, you're not alone. Many people have expressed interest in exploring this unique site.
Seth Riley, who grew up near Yellow Dog in the 70's, has shared his personal connection to the area.
Claire asked about contacting the owner for permission to enter, but unfortunately, the article didn't provide a clear answer at the time.
Andrew pointed out the need for clear instructions on how to contact the owner and arrange a tour. He also noted that Maysa Gharib is the new owner, and she has offered to be contacted by email.
If you're interested in visiting Yellow Dog Village, you can try reaching out to Maysa Gharib by email, as suggested by Andrew. However, please note that her email address may not be publicly available, and you may need to rely on the webpage owner to facilitate contact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Yellow Dog Village abandoned?
Yellow Dog Village was abandoned in 2011 due to a lack of a reliable drinking water supply. This shortage led to the town's eventual closure after nearly a century in operation.
How much did Yellow Dog Village sell for?
Yellow Dog Village was purchased for $220,000 in 2014 by its new owner, a former history teacher.
What is the most complete ghost town in PA?
Yellow Dog Village is the most complete ghost town in PA, featuring 26 buildings and a park that once served as a thriving community for nearly 100 years. This well-preserved site offers a unique glimpse into the region's history and development.
Sources
- Share on Flipboard (flipboard.com)
- Share on Facebook (facebook.com)
- village’s Facebook page (facebook.com)
- Yellow Dog Village Facebook page. (facebook.com)
- Share on Facebook (facebook.com)
- Yellow Dog Village: A Pennsylvania Mining Town That ... (abandonedspaces.com)
- Yellow Dog Village (richardlewisphotography.com)
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