Exploring the Abandoned Ghost Town of Rausch Gap

[@donnaklingbeil4468]

I could listen to you "teach" history all day! I love how you take your "class" on an adventure. Keep up the great work!

[@Eezyriderr1]

Right about 38 minutes, that basin is indeed a turn table for a small "Switcher" engine. They were used extensively in those tight spots in the mountains where you wouldn't get a full on locomotive into. H.K. Porter, then later, Davenport and Bachman switchers were use all over in that area. Some of those old steamers were as small as a modern SUV. I love these videos, my friend. I'm not far from where you explore. I'd love to join you on an adventure one day.

[@tomtransport]

Thanks cliff, this had a little of everything, cemetery, railroad, rushing stream, woods, mines, etc. your trips are always informative and entertaining. 7 to 8 wow factor.

[@windwalker763]

Thank you for reading the headstones. I love old cemeteries.

[@Friskee62]

Love the longer videos...quite the history in your neck of the woods.

[@jackielammather7087]

Great video Cliff...so much great history...I can't believe how they cleared all those large stones and boulders by hand!!! Thanks again for all you do !!!!

[@hdspacechic]

WOW WOW & WOW ..YOU are a treasure of knowledge! Thank You for sharing! My husband and I just explored the Carlisle Cave inspired by your KZbin videos. My paternal family history goes way back in Carlisle (not to mention I've spent most of my 54 yrs here!)and I never knew that sacred place existed until you revealed it. We must meet you someday! Thanks for sharing mother nature's hidden beauty ♡ God Bless YOU! Rhonda

[@RepublicTX]

At 19:42 the first half of the epitaph for Andrew Allen appears to be attributed to a J. Allen - maybe a relative? Here lies beneath this humble sod, the noblest spark of nature's god. A heart once warm with gratitude with strength and courage (was?) endured. - J. Allen. Or perhaps it was written by Andrew himself? I can't quite make out the first initial. The second part was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796), It's part of an epitaph for a friend - Epitaph on William Muir. If you look closely at the lower right of the inscription, you can see "R. Burns." Interesting that an Englishman would have an epitaph written by a Scottish poet! Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d Few heads with knowledge so inform’d: If there ’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this. It would seem Mr. Allen was well regarded in his life. Such a shame he lies so neglected in death.

[@steel5886]

I agree with your frustration about not perserving history it's a shame.The game commission could get plenty of assistance from the historical community to raise funds,pluse plenty of people to voulenteer.I have been watching your videos since you started ,and Rausch Gap is one of my favorite places you share with us.It was sad to see the incredible stone arch bridge gone . I think many of us members enjoy your longer videos so though I would mention it. As always thank you again for your dedication to history especially sharing these incredible videos with members.

[@rogerwilco2]

In normal countries we have a thing called taxes, that get used to pay for preserving old monuments. But the USA doesn't seem to like taxes. Especially on rich people and large corporations. So then there is no money to preserve history. Sure there might be some charities, but those usually are peanuts in comparison, and who is going to spend the effort and hours to organize things.

[@AndrewAMartin]

@@rogerwilco2 Also, historical preservation is not part of the Game Commission's mission; that's the job of the PA Historical & Museum Commission, and they are perpetually underfunded as well. Everyone loves to complain -- they should have done this, they should do that, on and on, but when it comes time to pay for it, nobody steps up and is willing to open their wallets. The Game Commission has more than enough on its hands dealing with Fudds as it is...

[@patrickterryjr4764]

@@rogerwilco2 nah, the US loves taxes, they just love deleting its history however.

[@lindaberg9960]

I too just love all of this history steeped in nature's setting! So peaceful and very interesting! You're a born natural for this work Cliff. I'm so grateful you take us along with you!

[@mkervelegan]

Thought I could assuage my homesickness for Central PA by watching this, after decades of hiking in Rausch's Gap and around, but now after seeing this great vid I have to go back for a long weekend!

[@cherylturner5868]

I so enjoy your videos. Being disabled I can no longer do these explores which I love. I love your longer videos I feel like I'm on the trip with you. Having moved to Quakertown 1yr ago from Oklahoma I'm getting to see all these wonders of this whole area. Thank you for what you do.

[@dwaynestewart6095]

I very much enjoyed this video, and I'm very happy that you took the time to explain things and show the pics . I am from West Virginia, and I know a bit about coal mines and absolutely love hearing old history about them. Thank you for this grand adventure and telling some of the history behind the area. Dwayne

[@davidross5169]

Nice walk and talk.enjoyed it and all of your vidios.!!!

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

l'm a new subscriber and l love your passion for the land and it's history. l'm happy to follow along and go back to watch previous videos...cheers from BC Canada : )

[@georgereevesfarm4898]

Love watching your programs! You have an old heart! Thanks!

[@steel5886]

Cliff ,I'm with you on the arch bridge ..darn shame really ... This place is one my favorites of your videos to watch ,and that stone arch was the main attraction . For the cost of hauling in that steel ,and machinery when it was first built was not cheap either . I mentioned this before ( most likely many of your comments ) can't imagine it would be hard to get a local historical society involved to preserve the parts of history in the woods ,and surely no shortage of volunteers from the trades ,and labor . Sad really .Awesome video though

[@01sapphireGTS]

As a bottle collector and digger, we always fill in the holes we dig. The sites look the same or better when we leave than when we started, even in kept lawns.

[@headiron5888]

Great job explaining the history and showing the left overs of where mankind used to thrive and mine what used to fuel America. Appreciate the effort you put into making your videos.

[@vikkinicholson2300]

amazing to see how an actual railroad track used to function in that woods and buildings all of which have returned to the earth. glad to see it all gone and nature taking over.

[@johnstaves1337]

Very interesting. It is always nice to see the real domestic and industrial history of a country, not just the stuff in the history books. It is the same here in the UK. Keep up the good work. Take care.

[@crushhardtack1997]

I think this is one of your best videos to date. Another great Pennsylvania history lesson. Thanks.

[@ricknelson576]

I love the fact that you appreciate history as much as I do. Even though I failed history in school.

[@jacksmarr9606]

I don't understand why people give these videos a thumbs down! These videos are good to show lost history that many of us would never have the chance to visit. I am a little concerned that you are out in the woods by yourself.

[@b.questor]

The great outdoors can be overwhelming to humans. Some react defensively in seemingly ill-rational ways that are meant to promote a sense of inner security.

[@rdety]

I agree 100% that pieces of History like the Bridge need to be saved.....great Video!

[@jwon5614]

That's great to know that there is someone else out there who cares about preserving things🤗 I think more and more people are👍🏻

[@chrisiiams4303]

It breaks my heart to hear of I call it the assault of the deceased grave robbers how sad to destroy history. But at my age I have learned what goes around comes around. I love your adventures I feel like I’m with you i just love it. Thank you for sharing

[@kateclark7250]

It's incredible that there are foundations surviving after 100 plus years. Thank you for the research you did, taking us to see this place and telling us its story.

[@kenbritton6782]

So glad the knuckleheads haven't been dumping their trash out here. The stone work is amazing and must have taken a lot of work to do. The fine small lettering on the head stone must have been quit a task to do back then (20:39). Now it's wearing away from the years. A shame the tower is gone. The beautiful arched bridge replaced by the eye sore bridge. So much skill and talent back in these woods we would have never known about if it wasn't for this fine tour.

[@wolfgangaus6264]

The real history is in the headstones. Your work is invaluable and very entertaining. Keep it up .

[@pamelanoel8948]

I really admire those that have a steel trap of a memory for history.

[@robertarabb9416]

Cliff the Wandering Woodsman. I’ve been subscribed to your channel now for about 1year now. I was watching one of your vid’s you posted 2years ago. The title of it is “ Exploring the Abandoned Ghost Town of Rausch Gap, first question were you at the graveyard with someone or anyone walk through while you were filming. If not, you caught something or someone watching you from the tree line, go to track 17:12 look to the top right edge of that tombstone, right at the tree line. Love what you do, you are not only an inspiration to those that are in your classes, just look at your following, you keep doing you, Wonderer!

[@b.questor]

Diversion Wells reminds me that I will never be too old to learn something new.

[@Carol-tq1fb]

Amazing, I never knew places like this existed! Someone must use all these trails, they seem well worn. Most trails I've been on are all grown up. Thank you again for another very interesting video w/history.

[@brantmorrison3704]

Around 8:20 there are shown several trenches (or pits). I wonder if those were for helping maintain steam engines and train equipment. There are old train yards that have pits similar to that for gaining access below engines and even to clean debris from their fire boxes. If there is direct flat access to the train track roadbed that may help support the idea. If you had a garage for cars with no lift, you'd dig a pit to get access for maintenance.

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

That makes sense, thanks

[@jonsymmonds1120]

Amazing video Cliff! I learned of you from your adventures with JP. Very well detailed and I thank you for taking me to a place I will likely never see!

[@periwinkleblue3416]

I understand your pain about places like this not getting preserved or even destroyed.

[@CheapestGamer]

If you pause the video at 17:05 you'll see there's a marker(wooden cross on a smaller plaque) for the cemetery up on the tree to the upper right. So for anybody looking to check out this place that would be one thing to look for besides the 2-3 regular tombstones that are left.

[@sandraplonka5225]

Great history, nice stone work. Thanks again for letting us come along. Really enjoyed.

[@jparker59able]

Such a beautiful area to explore. Too bad you don't have any old photos of the town. Sad about the Arch Bridge too. Great video. Also, the little cross item nailed to the tree at the cemetery is interesting.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

Such a shame some money wasn’t spent to keep old bridge in good repair, it was just beautiful

[@littlebooks4760]

I’m from the uk The man who passed away that was from Durham England is up north, and he died in the north of America really enjoyed this thank you

[@davidcassidy5868]

Damn fine work on educating this S. Ches. Co. lover of history. Love old glassware too. Your right W.W., ALWAYS fill your bottle dig holes !!

[@rockmack7343]

East Broadtop Railway in Orbisonia, Pa. Still has a RoundHouse for turning an engine around, They still give rides on the old narrow gage railroad on some weekends, and much restoration is going on.

[@JPVideos81]

Enjoyed the longer video. My guess is that spot was a turntable as well. Love railroad history. Btw i saw that you rsvp for our steamtown event. Feel free to share that event page or to make a video about the event. See you there.

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

I will probably make a video tomorrow

[@beverlykennedy126]

Haven’t been to your channel in quite awhile I love it when you find an old cemetery . They are 😎 cool. I had to laugh when you said it was raining

[@barryrickert6544]

been there numerous times as well, thanks for the video.

[@beverlykennedy126]

Hi cliff just came back to your channel after an extended absence. I love it when you stumble on an old cemetery they are really so 😎 cool. I had to laugh when you said it started raining cause what else does it do in. Pa. Either that or snow ❄️ but must say this winter was pretty nice not a lot of snow . Love the dry heat long springs and summer .

[@DonkeyKongGamerJr]

Love the videos and the history. Nice to turn on after a day of work and sit back and watch. Keep doing what you do!

[@vikkinicholson2300]

watching this makes me anxious to have fall come around with cooler weather. love to wear the kind of clothing that feels bundled up. must be a good time to trek through the mountains. most of us are not in the shape to walk up, up, up so we are happy to glam onto you and see the sights.

[@melisadoherty8995]

I now can see why you were so upset about the bridge not being preserved . It was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the hidden tressures in p.a.. In another video of yours, you mentioned an old pow cam in michaux state Forrest up the road from me. Thank you !!

[@hartsm76]

This is my favorite video of yours I've seen so far. I love all the information you included. The bridge photos are gorgeous.

[@tmpatklk]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Your information is very interesting.

[@tomdeininger7379]

I've been enjoying your vlogs. I live in northeastern PA, and I know there's so much fascinating history in that area. A lot of people in my area don't understand that the German and the Dutch were here long before all the immigrants came to work in the anthracite coal mines of northeastern PA.

[@charlesdunitz2572]

My family is from Palmerton Pa, I really appreciate your videos, thank you

[@stephenlook58]

You would think that people would come together and repair things like the bridge and other old building and what not. Really a shame! There are a few old bridges like that close to where I live in Maine like at Acadia National Park. Such craftsmanship and architecturally sound.

[@bekleidungu.ausrustung7068]

A law should be passed that the state historical society has the authority to name a historical artifact and in such a case it can be preserved.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

I love your enthusiasm. I just love your videos. Thanks for the wonderful videos

[@nanaco91]

I absolutely love your videos & commentary!! Please keep up the good work!

[@KatWoman_]

Super cool area. Thank you for letting me come along with you.

[@conniegoldthwait1463]

Thank you so much, Cliff. Love the video. I agree, the large circular area was probably a round house. Such beautiful stone work all over and hidden away.

[@elizabethmeehan2017]

I've binge watched you since 1 its now 3:30. Really enjoying al l of your videos. I know know that places are approachable but being a female I'd be scared! I have to round up a few friends!

[@nathanarandale1458]

Just something about the old stone arch bridge. The level of the creek, in the video, seems to be alot higher now; than it was in the photos that you showed us, taken some time before. Also, around the 8 min mark, in the first area that you explored, below the bridge, you came across a series of trenches with stone work walls; I would suggest that they were perhaps water races, used for bringing water from the creek, into that general residential area. Just a thought. I, too love to get out and explore but we are kind of limited, to some point, here in Australia.

[@hollissweedman1494]

Excellent video! Thanks for bringing us along!!

[@donmoore7785]

If the railroad had repair facilities at this site, there would be every reason to expect that there was a turntable there. But boy, tracing the history at this point would probably be difficult - the sources I usually consult would not work. That feature at 38:20 that is perfectly circular, if it is right in line with the rail bed, is a turntable. I am going to visit this place - it is only 1.5 hrs from me. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@johnferguson185]

I love your videos , no matter how short or how long they are !!!

[@danmathers141]

Imagine putting together those stone bridge piers must have been like a huge game of Tetris.

[@KB-sd9ch]

Oh wow what a beautiful bridge it was! That's a shame!

[@stefannyberg3203]

Thank you for sharing! Love your videos, keep up the good work! :)

[@foggybrain7431]

I'm a newbie here and really, really enjoy your videos! Ditto on what Donna Klingbeil said !

[@roseckansas3871]

New subscriber here. Absolutely love your videos. Thank you for sharing..

[@Jimbo4376]

at 21:34 look just over the right shoulder. Appears to be a person dressed in white moving left to right. Any one else see that? Hiker or Ghost?

[@Jimbo4376]

21:47 you can see it again

[@JosephBenRobert]

Yes, I saw it thought that maybe I was the only one.

[@mma1st105]

Yeah looked like someone on a bike on the other trail maybe. Kinda strange.

[@danicegewiss862]

Looks like someone on a bike.

[@rethacordovano9879]

Hiker.

[@loudmusickillsthepain648]

Just found your channel and have been binging on it. Im in the historic Steel Valley (Homestead) and would love to see you come to Allegheny county in the future.

[@clintleroy670]

At two points of the video, you get to see what looks like the cornerstone of the one stone abutment of the railroad bridge. This would be on the upper Railroad bed on the East Side. It looks like the DATE scratched into the stone states 1835 or 1865. The two times are 27:12 & 27:19, you should pause the video to see if my accuracy on the dates is correct.

[@thewanderingwoodsman7227]

I'll have a look, I didn't notice anything at the time I was out there - but my mind is often preoccupied.

[@1010Huey]

Awesome videos! I'm a history and nature buff and these are perfect. It's amazing how quickly these houses and structures are taken over by the environment so just the foundations are left. Fascinating.

[@nataliemay415]

Headstone reads: "few hearts like his with virtue warned , few heads with knowledge so informed, if there is another world he lives in ?now?, if there is none he made the best of this" Just not sure if it says "now".

[@AndrewAMartin]

The epitaph is attributed to Robert Burns, the Scottish poet (R. Burns in the lower right corner). It's called "Epitaph on my own Friend" and the full text is: An honest man here lies at rest As e'er God with his image blest; The friend of man, the friend of truth, The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd, Few heads with knowledge so informed: If there's another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this. This stone only has the last four lines, obviously.

[@frankdalla]

A roundhouse is what was used to turn the great steamers around. Indeed there was a turntable of sort, but i believe that the structure was refered to as a roundhouse...

[@907nvl]

Thank you very much. Great video

[@fiercenet]

Rausch had an office and a machine shop and of course housing... a little bit west at the railroad stop there was a bath house, sawmill and a few hotels.

[@shenylopez3380]

I want to visiting that place❤ always take care sir watching from Philippines 😊

[@samuelneuin1988]

Along the right side of the railroad bed there are pairs of short concrete pillars that are triangle shaped. They were used to hold pairs of rails at intervals of a mile apart. They were spaced that way so the rail workers had no farther than a mile to carry rails to make repairs

[@nataliemay415]

20:51 "Few hearts like his with virtue warmed"

[@paulmerritt7540]

Turntable it is......at least that's what my research had mentioned was in that area east of the bridge a bit. Great video as always bud!!

[@justhello1]

It looks like perhaps 2 epitaphs were engraved. The first being: "Here lies beneath this humble sod, The nobelest work of nature's God. A heart once warm with gratitude, With strength and courage so endured." beneath which appears to be the name of the writer - "J. Allen". The second epitaph: "Few hearts like his with virtue is armed, Few heads with knowledge so informed, If there s'another world he lives in Bliss, If there is none, he made the best of this." - A. Burns So sad to pass at only 30 years young. It sounds as though he was a courageous, kind & bright young man.

[@AndrewAMartin]

The second epitaph is by Robert Burns, the Scottish poet: An honest man here lies at rest As e'er God with his image blest; The friend of man, the friend of truth, The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd, Few heads with knowledge so informed: If there's another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.

[@justhello1]

@@AndrewAMartin Thank you!

[@TKMINES1]

Also some awesome dry stone walls there .

[@courtneymoyer6492]

I which your videos all the time good videos.😃🤣🤗

[@rayslavetochrist7311]

Enjoyed it Brother keep it up

[@cwb0051]

A Gorgeous Place For Sure..Stay Safe..

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome job on this exploration

[@neilhansen5663]

Very sad about the wonderful bridge & history. Same where I live NSW Aussie

[@courtneymoyer6492]

I don't live in PA but it seems have alot if nice trails they also it seems like a nice place to go for a good walk very nice to see I kinda wish I was they right now.🙂😜

[@saigenrose1032]

Great video thank you Cliff 🙂👍

[@burnwell_bandit3733]

I really enjoy this mans videos, he does a good job!

[@pattiondish1773]

Cliff , I was thinking since you like history, a place In Wyoming, pa , a little monument in Wyoming packed with alot of history, Queen Esters rock ,battle of Wyoming note worthy history of Wyoming valley.

[@danmathers141]

I am amazed at the full grown trees where the train used to run.

[@naturalS41]

Completely heartbreaking, about the bridge, glad the signage is still there

[@karenpacker8862]

Amazing history and beautiful place. Love all the remains.

[@JamesRobertSmith]

What a shame about the old stone arch bridge. Very sad to see it gone.

[@steel5886]

Wow I can't believe the tower ,and stone arch are done. Do you think the stone was repurposed ,or it's just lying there. Hard to tell in video. Awesome that you go back again for us who had seen the area before things collapsed as you predicted. Awesome cool video. Thank You

[@chelseydeetta2847]

It seems that the game commission has money for other things, but to preserve old I think is a good thing. It really doesn't take that much money if they do it right away and not wait till of hope is washed down the drain. The old beauty is something to be greatful for. It's amazing where do they find such even stones to build a wall. Yes I agree fill your holes back in again, there are enough open holes in the woods. They wreck it for everybody. There is so much in the woods it's hard to believe and what blows my mind why would anyone build a house in the middle of the woods. Its very interesting.

[@caseyjude5472]

I really enjoyed this one. Thanks!