The Ghostly Ruins of the Overlook Mountain House

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A ghostly shell stands where a once grand hotel stood in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. Built in 1871, this hotel was once visited by presidents, but repeated fires prevented the place from ever achieving the success it deserved. The final years of the building were plagued with suicides, and ultimately the site of the merger of the two existing Communist parties in America in the 1920's.
Let's climb the trail to the top of the mountain and see what remains of this ruined hotel overlooking Woodstock.

[@seanpruitt6801]

I love how you connect every historical thing to ships

[@thebitsanpiecesman4423]

It’s a gift! Tbh I’m so obsessed with the titanic I can pretty much take any convo into a titanic one lol 😂

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

I like that also. When I was completing my art degree we were told to reference our art to the events in history that occurred at the same time. It gives us a context that may further inform the current presentation.

[@nline2blast722]

Lol

[@karensmith1158]

I had an aunt who owned a house in Shady on MacDaniels Road, named after the farmstead that was her neighbor. Hiked up to Overlook in the late 60's when it was reduced to a cowpath with rattlesnake warnings. There were still signs of former construction and development - a baby grand piano rotting to decay and rolls of carpeting spread around. If you go up past the hotel to the highest point, there are rocks that people carved with dates going back to the late 1880's. Not many people ventured up there then and it was a really haunting thing to behold.

[@losmosquitos1108]

I initially thought this is about Overlook hotel from „The Shining“, silly me….. 🤭 Just subscribed to your channel because of the incredible production value. Very well done! My best regards from Uruguay, thank you sir. ♥️🇺🇾👍

[@1Klooch]

Used to live in West Hurley many years ago. The site had, at that time in the main building and the annex, wooden floors and stair cases with a "steeple" of sorts, center at the top of the main. Even that long ago you had to be careful where you stepped as their were missing steps and holes in the floors. The support of the steeple gave way some time after and it dropped several feet and stuck, canted at an angle visible for miles. A friend and I took shelter in the main room of the annex one winter day and got warm by it's fireplace despite the floor being a sheet of ice from holes in the roof. Fun fact, at about 2 o'clock in your sketch there was, in a wood frame building, a small bowling alley slightly apart from the main. Stopped here many times on hikes over the mountain to Echo Lake on the other side. Thanks for your exploration.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you for sharing all this!

[@marblesjn]

The New York Ontario &Western has a fascinating history. From nowhere, to nowhere, via nowhere. A flying diesel locomotive. Ultimately, it was the first US Class 1 railroad to completely dieselize around 1953, and it went bankrupt in 1957.

[@booman9990]

“Although from what I hear, this wasn’t the only thing that was lit up in the 1960’s, in Woodstock” 😐

[@spazmonkey3815]

He said that with a completely straight face.

[@rogerrendzak8055]

He almost said that, with envy😏!!

[@chrissanfino761]

Hahaha, except the other Woodstock is actually in bethel, New York

[@tundrawomansays694]

@@chrissanfino761 Indeed. The music was *great,* the mud? Not. So. Much. Thankgawd it’s legal now-where I live.

[@jsalaska2854]

I’m From Woodstock. Camped there many many years. Used to hiked past it going to the summit.

[@michaelwhisman7623]

When I was young, I made a point of hunting down interesting sites. MY brother did also and found a trench full of dead Union Soldiers in Tennessee and a riverboat on the Mississippi.

[@lonewulf44]

would like to know more about the trench. Where and when? What happened?

[@HiGlowie]

Interested in hearing more about this trench!

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

@@HiGlowie same here, I'm intrigued. The way @Michael Whisman worded his comment, sounds as if those soldiers may _still_ have breath in their lungs.

[@jasonm949]

Never happened

[@friedkin71]

Just discovered your channel and I gotta say I’m getting quickly hooked! So much rich, intriguing, and haunting history we’d never otherwise know about these amazing old structures and vessels. Keep up the great work!

[@jeffcampbell1555]

Thanks, this is fun. I like how you didn't edit out your superlatively graceful descent of the snow packed staircase. People who take their work seriously but not themselves are the best all-rounders, I think. And I appreciate very much that you sketched out the complex layout of the place.

[@marlenesargent749]

Very interesting...would like to know what led up to the one owner who killed himself....

[@gprich82]

Started on your fabulous shipwreck videos, but am even more enamored with your abandoned placed videos! Was super stoked to hear you mention the Roundout and Oswego Railroad, because I'm from the tiny city of Oswego NY. Its a very unassuming town of 25000 now, and really only boasts one of the NY State Colleges and a well known race track that's been around since 1951. However, it was a very impactful area thanks to Fort Oswego and Fort Ontario during the Revolutionary War and the War if 1812. Its pronounced Oss Wee Go, btw, but no worries, everybody pronounces it differently, even current residents (some say Oss-wiggo, and based on its origin from the Iroquois probably should be Oss way go, from the Iroquois "osh weh geh") So youre probably technically correct, even if not in the vernacular lol. The videos are great, cant wait to see more!! Thank you for what you do and the incredible valie of your work in helping us remember eras gone by!!

[@erwinderdoofe]

Shoutout to whomever left Tips and Rolling Paper there :D

[@spazmonkey3815]

Wonderful area for backpacking and camping.On the other side of the mountain is Echo Lake def. woth a visit.My wife and I spent many great weekends there. Thank you so much for this video!

[@TinLizzie-uc1jw]

“There won’t be any more frizzing with this bee”

[@rickyjorge6710]

I recently found your channel and am sure glad I did. Great content and your sense of humor and level of class is not lost on me. Thank you!

[@ausnorman8050]

How did I not see this years ago when you originally uploaded it* well its on my feed now so here is to another great Part-Time Explorer video :)

[@elel9640]

I'm always surprised when channels like these have as few followers as they do. Your delivery is so personable and inviting, and you seem naturally at home talking about the topics in your videos, which gives the impression that you've done your research on the subjects you cover. I hope your channel blows up soon dude! You deserve more attention.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

I really appreciate that! I'd be grateful if you would share my content and help me tell these stories more!

[@elel9640]

@@PartTimeExplorer absolutely. Keep doing your thing brother. I really enjoy when your content comes across my feed. It just started popping up randomly in my suggested maybe a week or two ago. I hope that means the algorithms are in your favor. When I went to sub your channel I was legitimately shocked to see you didn't have more subscribers. Wishing the best for you and enjoying the hell out of your content. Please keep em coming.

[@rgc1961]

Very well done!

[@user-et6se3hl1v]

Your great at what your doing with the history of whatever you cover, and the way you give content with dates people and things that took place in that era. You get a feel of being in that moment of time. Like a great story teller you see and feel the surroundings. Thank you.

[@David-fm6go]

7:56 brings back memories of upstate NY and NE PA.

[@kellymurphy6642]

I’m from Nepa I agree

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Wow I really enjoy your videos. I discovered your channel about 3 weeks ago and love it. I'm in Old Floridian who spent many hours on the water so I love your Maritime stories. I thoroughly enjoy your adventures into investigating old ruins. Since I'm from Florida I was curious if you ever get down south to investigate any ruins? Anyway love your channel you do a fantastic job narrating. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Glad you're enjoying these, and thanks for all your supportive comments! I've been down that way a few times, but have never had the chance to explore any ruins. Are there any you'd suggest? I actually just got back from a trip to South Carolina last week; that would have been a perfect opportunity.

[@monochrome_sea]

Thanks for visiting our catskills, we have many more abandoned historical sites, maritime and railroad history if you return again. Plenty of wrecks too...

[@annrunacres3982]

I enjoy all your videos, but this was particularly interesting when you drew the layout of the house, and superimposed the actual section of building you were describing. Excellent work. Thank you.

[@David-fm6go]

2:14 lol 2:43 No better time to watch this then the early morning hours of 4/20.

[@timothyhopkins6960]

It really a wonderful old place . Hauntingly beautiful . Thank you for bringing it to us . The snow is also a nice touch .

[@johnbrock1602]

I enjoy your dry sense of humor

[@MrBibi86]

*The discovery channel really needs to give you a show!*

[@philiptownsend4026]

I don't know what it is about them but your exploration videos are so relaxing. Maybe it is because I feel that you are talking directly to me as I am beside you.

[@timsarchery]

Grate work mate been following your content for awhile now love every second of it keep going looking forward to more thankyou

[@blueriver5269]

I love the way you always add a bit of comedy into your stories

[@misconstruedadventures2592]

Fascinating video though dude! Interesting to see how it's been left.

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

Excellent presentation. Thank you for your informative commentary and diagram. Well saved on the icey stairs.

[@coreypage2851]

Very cool! You comparing dates to ships reminds me of when I compare dates to trains. Speaking of which, I hope someday you get to an abandoned train station or similar, though I'm sure you can make almost anything sound interesting! keep up the great work!

[@ByGraceIGo]

Thank you for the history lesson and explaining everything. I would like to check that place out. But I'm going to have to wait till the spring time. I love exploring I will subscribe to your channel! ❤️

[@HorribleHarry]

Outstanding! Thank you so much for these little glimpses into our forgotten history.

[@yvetteaguirre9522]

You killing me, Tom! LOL! Cool exploration!

[@twooldmuppets2767]

Tom I really appreciate your sense of humor!

[@richardmcgreary6368]

Another great video Tom! Your content is among the very best, highest quality program making I've found on KZbin 👌

[@emmelinewyndham]

Hello from the UK! Just stopped by to say how much I enjoy your channel and love your videos. My great grandfather was instrumental in the invention of the marine turbine engine (nobody old enough left in the family to tell me exactly what he did, but he turned down a knighthood for it, so it must have been significant). You've reignited a deep-seated interest in the sea, and ships, and wrecks - oh, and you always find such beautiful background and credits music (this one was particularly lovely - sounds like Chinese lute or Guzheng?). Thank you for all you do to pass on your knowledge!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thanks for your kind words, and that's awesome about your great-grandfather! What was his name? I might be able to find some info.

[@emmelinewyndham]

@@PartTimeExplorer I'd love it if you could! Is there a way I could pm you the info - a website contact I could use, rather than KZbin comment?

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@warriorprincessharmony]

I very much appreciate your work. I'm glad to see another goof just as serious and as hardworking as my S/O,... but still a goof.

[@ahandad]

Love your sense of humor, Tom!

[@sharonroberts3397]

ENJOY ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS THEY ARE WELL DONE

[@toLothair2]

I know these ruins, and they are on South Mnt. and The Mountain House that you speak of was on North Mnt., where, Kaaterskill Falls are and the lakes, North and South. Also, the Otis Co. built a cog rail to the top of North Mnt to save almost a day of travel. There are graffiti chiseled in the rocks on the trail to the Falls from the late 1800's. There are no ruins of the Mountain House that overlooked the Hudson River looking due East.

[@slowsnailstudios]

Explorer extraordinaire!

[@tobystanley4177]

This place is way better in the spring and summertime, so you ought to visit it again for a similar but different experience. I have a feeling you will be surprised at the differing feelings of the place.

[@Ramcharger85]

Amazing and beautiful place ❤

[@bbb103]

These ruins are reminiscent of Jack London's Wolf House. His would be dream house that burnt down before he and his family could move in.

[@goldwave3351]

If the stars ever align, i'm going to take you through the old Buffalo train depot. Easily my favorite modern ruins -Connor

[@PartTimeExplorer]

That would be cool!

[@MrMemelord00]

9:37 mood and I totally feel the same but about everything😅

[@reenabearkitty]

I don’t know if you’re into cars, but you reminded me of Doug DeMuro when you started your video with the word THIS 😅😂😂

[@pathirtle]

I find your videos entertaining, informative, and very well produced.

[@ChrisCDK]

Beautiful notebook like that... you need a fountain pen to fit the aesthetic. Order you a Lamy Safari :)

[@juliemullen365]

What a wonderful young man and a great channel love love love thank you the beautiful USA 🇺🇸 what a place it has it all incredible from me in the 🇬🇧

[@discostew115]

I love it when you draw man

[@thecunarder7297]

Quite a unique place with an interesting history, great job on the video!

[@josephpeluchette191]

Concrete is coming back into fashion it's clearly durable and with staining and stamping can be beautiful nice job research seems good well done

[@Quasihamster]

"God didn't seem to like that because the place burned down two years later!" Wait are you suggesting *I* set fire to it? If I still had cared about the place at that time, it would have burned down on some other White Star anniversary. Dunno... April 15th 1922, something like that!

[@JamesPlaysJP]

I’m gonna try to 3D Model the hotel based on the footage and map

[@PartTimeExplorer]

I've got a ton of B roll from this trip that I didn't use in this video. I'll post it soon! Keep an eye out

[@JamesPlaysJP]

@@PartTimeExplorer Ooo, that will help Greatly, Ill watch Out for It

[@dww2006]

The geocache is a fun thing to profile.

[@gud2go50]

So many broken dreams. How sad. I am surprised their is not much graffiti on the walls. Great video.

[@S.S.Poseidon]

Overlook hotel?!??? Mysterious past??? I think I seen a film about this

[@rickstephens1130]

Towards the end of the video, it seemed like those people were following you, once you passed by them. I hope that they were not up to, no good? And With bad intentions? Thanks for the videos and have a great day

[@michaelwhisman7623]

I would love to take the stone and build a nice home.

[@lyndapierson6338]

that was fun!

[@josephjosephbaska6655]

That must have been really beautiful in it's day

[@I_am_a_cat_]

I'm glad you didn't run into any snow yetis. You got lucky

[@kyleschu]

Wow so cool Ty

[@kierantibbitts5445]

Thanks!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you!

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Interesting, he said there was a Yeti seen.

[@dtg610420]

The music in this reminds me of Chinese folk played in the wild west

[@defwebsolutions]

Cool 😊

[@guideme1503]

Keep going…cool

[@rancidschannel3206]

That place seemed to love fire!

[@NYSteve]

good one, but i dont understand why a 1 hour walk up hill, would take a stage coach 3+ hours. what did the guests do up there for a week? i guess they were contented just to breath mountain air and sit around all day and yak a lot.

[@cpt_nordbart]

Overlook Hotel? Have you seen some twins there?

[@FreedomLovingLoyalistOfficial]

this was filmed on February 23 2020

[@robt7785]

I've always heard about New England winters being so bad, then I see people there walking around with exposed skin and want to invite them to visit the midwest in January.

[@ptongue]

You should have come in summer for the rattlesnakes.

[@supremeautomotive6749]

All these old mountain houses burned down in a fire kinda funny

[@sylverfox2144]

Anyone else thinking of The Shining?

[@drownplayz]

hi

[@FreedomLovingLoyalistOfficial]

tom can you make a perfect circle

Awesome! Keep it up! Would you like to be KZbin friends? :)

[@johnmurray9526]

Wonder who the winter caretaker was?

[@PartTimeExplorer]

A man named Jack. He’s… always been the caretaker.

[@Harrison2253]

This kid looks and sounds like Conan Obrien

[@tootz1950]

Would have been nice to see the fireplace and rooms ourselves instead of a crayon drawing.

[@vickiepeek2279]

the place was just too big for its own good

[@b2pi]

That's not a geocache, it's a letterbox. The geocache is off to the southeast!

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

Wait a second! What did you mean by it not being "the only thing that was lit in Woodstock in the 1960s"? 😐 Do you mean those folks surrounds by lots of colors & music & naked, twirling people? Lol.

[@robertturosik416]

Boats!

[@seymoarsalvage]

Bring back the Communist labor party!

[@misconstruedadventures2592]

11th.

[@VintageLPs]

Little did you know that COVID was about to descend upon us all. Those buildings reminded me of an insane asylum from a 1930’s movie. 🧟‍♂️

[@adamdow7119]

Oh definitely. Fires definitely happen cause god doesn’t like things. It’s fun being 10 yrs old!