Exploring the Ruins of the Historic Hartford Castle in Illinois | Do We make it Across the Moat?

[@JMExplorations]

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What may seem an eyesore to one person, just might be a beautiful masterpiece to another. There are places beloved by communities and protected in the hearts of those that hold their memories of its tattered hallways and decayed rooms dear. This is the way that we feel when we explore places that have been forgotten by time. Left to rot and decay and only holding the silent whispers of what once was. We know that there are people out there with malicious intent toward these places that we venture into. It saddens us when we see the filth and destruction they leave behind, but we want to make something very clear… We are explorers and lovers of history. We in no way, shape or form condone the criminal activities that take place in the historical decaying places that we document. Social media has brought many of these places to the limelight, but the intention is to show the beauty and mystery of abandonment. Not to invite trouble. Trouble will find its way on its own and to say that the peaceful documentation of these places leads to criminal activity, is mind blowing. We have met so many amazing fellow explorers in our travels and are so thankful and humbled by the positive responses we have received. We know that this type of exploration is not for everyone…many people don’t understand why we find such beauty in decay, we can only explain it as a beautiful journey into the past. We invite you to watch our explores and come along as we visit these amazing places. As for the criminal activity that occurs, those individuals are responsible for their own actions. It is a terrible part of our society, but reality, nonetheless. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for loving this location just as much as we do. We hope that through this video, the memories held within will remain.

[@MomsSelfReliance]

Gud morning guys 👍

[@JMExplorations]

@@MomsSelfReliance Good morning! Thank you for watching!!

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Great spot guys! It’s too bad it was burned down but what’s left is quite eerie and cool!

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Ryan! Yeah we were hoping that there would be some of the castle left but no such luck!

[@alexandersalarms5380]

Very nice exploration J&M

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you!! We appreciate it!!! :)

[@alexandersalarms5380]

@@JMExplorations Your welcome

[@FullDarkParanormal]

These are absolutely lovely ruins left in the woods, and the exact type that inspire a fairytale photoshoot in my mind! Very nice find! 💜

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Amy! We SO wanted to see the castle or at least the ruins of the castle but it wasn't meant to be. It was still cool to see remnants of what used to be including the moat protecting the property!! :)

[@NickP]

Beautiful footage!… Always a pleasure going on tour with you guys all over the place. You are the best explorers in the business!!

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you so much! This was a short, but sweet explore! It was literally hidden in the trees. Thank you so much for watching!

[@MomsSelfReliance]

Good morning. Must have been a fun exploration thanks for sharing. Lol I have to film this in case you fall in 😂we didn't see you cross lol .This place must have been amazing back in the days.

[@JMExplorations]

That place was sooooo swampy! Who knows what was lurking in the water…lol🤣. We wish we could have seen the house back in the day. Apparently, it was a real beauty!! Thank you again for watching!!☺️☺️

[@kryskelley]

This made me smile A LOT!

[@JMExplorations]

It made us smile a lot too!! Thank you so much for letting us know about this gem!!! :)

[@spectralresearchers]

Another great video guys, What a beautiful eerie location.

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you very much!!! It was a cool place to explore! :)

[@JasonAllard]

Nothing beats some overgrown ruins in the woods!

[@JMExplorations]

True story!!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@StantonsJourneys]

Vandals suck for sure, pretty awesome ruins that you found. As always my condolences to your brother Jen. Have a good Christmas you too and take care.

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Chris!!! Have a great Christmas!!! :)

[@warrendamm855]

I loved living there

[@GenXtothe7thPower]

That well is Really cool! Only a posh pad would have a well that fancy. Prayers and Sympathies sent, Brent was way too young! 🥲🙏🏼

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Kara! The property must have been so beautiful back in it's day!

[@tronstone7679]

Sorry to hear about your brother

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you! :)

[@HobieKatt]

ok , before heading to 🍕 work shop , stopped by to say hello and check out your latest location .. loving the swamp .. and ruins 💯

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you, Hobie! Hope you are having a great night!

[@HobieKatt]

@@JMExplorations work,work & more work ugh !!! cant complain , keeps a person busy 🍕

[@terrigabriel582]

That was an unexpected trip down memory lane , I traversed there in the late 70's with my then boyfriend , It was said at the time that Al Capone had used it at one time as a hideout, which made it eerie and scary place to me at the time and didn't fully appreciate what I was experiencing, so what a Blessing to see this. Still live In area ,always wanted to return but.....thank you

[@JMExplorations]

You are very welcome!! It is comments like this one that make us smile and feel happy that we were able to bring back fun memories. This place was amazing and so full of nature! Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to write such a nice comment!

[@tresannrn8454]

Hey Guys...♥️♥️ A beautiful dedication!! ♥️♥️ Thanks for sharing this with us!! You didn't complain, but I swear that area screamed mosquitoes..lol??? and Anacondas!!! LMAO..just love you Guys!! A great explore...many treasures left behind and scattered amidst nature!! TY for my smile today!! Smooches!!♥️🎄♥️

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Tres Ann! It was an amazing place that we wish we could have seen when it was in tact. We can still imagine how majestic the property must have been!! :)

[@MY94SUPRA]

I was wondering if you were gonna try that tree bridge with the camera going. You made the right call. This video was cool looking for leftovers embedded in the ground of a place long since abandoned and ultimately destroyed.

[@JMExplorations]

It was pretty much an unplanned explore, so we were happy to see some cool things hidden in the woods. It must have been a real beauty back in the day!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@aceball7076]

I love the ruins!

[@thenaturemanadventures]

Boo vandals!! Too bad the house was burnt down but the remaining remanants of the property was very cool! Neat explore through and through ☺️🤠🌲

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you Gil! The property was pretty amazing! I mean there was a moat protecting the land where the castle was!!! How cool is that!

[@warrendamm855]

I could tell u a lot I went to school with the kids my step dad took care property we lived in front about a half mile

[@JMExplorations]

I bet it was beautiful!

[@ghostsofVTurbexSkysthelimitvid]

Anaconda......funny lol , good one !!!

[@JMExplorations]

Whattt??? Don’t they have Anacondas in the Midwest?? Lol 🤣🤣🤣. We only saw one snake while we were there, which is crazy! That place was heaven for snakes. Thank you for watching and we are happy we made you smile☺️

[@warrendamm855]

I'm 70 years old

[@warrendamm855]

The well was escape for gangster to go under track and a car set in between teack to the canal kids tor up so sad

[@JNTravels]

You are a little far from home, Cool area to explore.🐸

[@JMExplorations]

Thank you!! We go where the abandoned takes us!!! lol