Legends 29: Ghost Towns
Digest
This episode of Lore Legends delves into the eerie tales of abandoned towns in America. The episode begins with the story of Kahaba, Alabama, a town that was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods, ultimately leading to its abandonment. However, Kahaba experienced a brief resurgence during Reconstruction when formerly enslaved people moved there, creating a community of opportunity and hope. Despite their efforts, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect. The episode then shifts to Purdy, Tennessee, a town founded on cheesemaking that failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The episode highlights the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends. The episode concludes with the story of Feltville, New Jersey, a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a summer resort and then a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods. The episode explores the enduring fascination with abandoned places, highlighting the stories and legends that continue to be told about these forgotten communities.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Lore Legends podcast, which explores strange tales that may not be found in history books. The episode focuses on abandoned towns in America, where the spirits of the past still linger.
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Kahaba, Alabama: A Town of Hope and Despair
This Chapter tells the story of Kahaba, Alabama, a town that was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people moved to Kahaba, creating a community of opportunity and hope. However, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Purdy, Tennessee: The Cheese Town That Burned
This Chapter tells the story of Purdy, Tennessee, a town founded on cheesemaking that failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The episode highlights the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Feltville, New Jersey: The Deserted Village
This Chapter tells the story of Feltville, New Jersey, a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a summer resort and then a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods.
Keywords
Ghost Towns
Ghost towns are abandoned settlements that have been left to decay and are often associated with eerie legends and stories. They can be found all over the world, and their abandonment can be attributed to various factors, such as natural disasters, economic decline, or social upheaval. Ghost towns are often popular destinations for urban explorers and tourists who are drawn to their history and mystery.
Kahaba, Alabama
Kahaba is a ghost town located in Alabama, United States. It was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods, ultimately leading to its abandonment. However, Kahaba experienced a brief resurgence during Reconstruction when formerly enslaved people moved there, creating a community of opportunity and hope. Despite their efforts, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect.
Purdy, Tennessee
Purdy is a ghost town located in Tennessee, United States. It was founded on cheesemaking but failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The town is known for the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends.
Feltville, New Jersey
Feltville is a ghost town located in New Jersey, United States. It was a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a summer resort and then a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods.
Urban Legends
Urban legends are stories that are passed down through word of mouth and often involve supernatural or unexplained events. They are often set in specific locations and can be used to explain or rationalize strange occurrences. Urban legends can be a source of entertainment, but they can also be used to spread fear and misinformation.
Haunted Places
Haunted places are locations that are believed to be inhabited by the spirits of the dead. These places are often associated with tragic events or violent crimes, and they can be a source of fear and fascination for many people. Haunted places are often the subject of ghost hunting expeditions and paranormal investigations.
Abandoned Buildings
Abandoned buildings are structures that have been left to decay and are often associated with a sense of mystery and intrigue. They can be found in cities and towns all over the world, and their abandonment can be attributed to various factors, such as economic decline, natural disasters, or social upheaval. Abandoned buildings are often popular destinations for urban explorers and photographers who are drawn to their history and decay.
Colonel Fielding Hurst
Colonel Fielding Hurst was a controversial figure who fought for the Union during the Civil War but was also a slaveholder. He was known for his cruelty in combat and is accused of burning his hometown of Purdy, Tennessee, to the ground. His former mansion is said to be haunted by his restless spirit.
David Felt
David Felt was a paper mill owner who built the company town of Feltville, New Jersey. He ruled the town with an iron fist and was known as "King David" by the residents. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village.
Gandini's Circus Camp
Gandini's Circus Camp is a former circus camp located in Edmund, Oklahoma. It was used by various circus troupes, including the Hagen and Clyde Brothers Circus, from the early 1900s through the 1970s. The camp is now abandoned and is said to be haunted by the spirits of the performers and animals who once lived there.
Q&A
What are some of the abandoned towns discussed in this episode of Lore Legends?
The episode explores the stories of Kahaba, Alabama, Purdy, Tennessee, and Feltville, New Jersey, each with its own unique history and haunting legends.
What is the story behind Kahaba, Alabama?
Kahaba was once a thriving cotton shipping hub but was repeatedly devastated by floods. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people moved to Kahaba, creating a community of opportunity and hope. However, the town eventually succumbed to the forces of racism and neglect.
What is the story behind Purdy, Tennessee?
Purdy was founded on cheesemaking but failed to attract the railroad, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. The town is known for the story of Colonel Fielding Hurst, a controversial figure who burned Purdy to the ground during the Civil War, leaving behind a haunted mansion that continues to be a source of local legends.
What is the story behind Feltville, New Jersey?
Feltville was a company town built by David Felt, a paper mill owner who ruled the town with an iron fist. After Felt's departure, the town went through various transformations, eventually becoming a county park. Today, Feltville is known as the Deserted Village, a place where the spirits of the past linger, including the three young sisters who disappeared in the surrounding woods.
What are some of the legends associated with these abandoned towns?
The episode mentions legends of a ball of light appearing in Kahaba, a haunted mansion in Purdy, and the spirits of three young sisters who disappeared in the woods surrounding Feltville.
Why are people drawn to abandoned places?
The episode suggests that people are drawn to abandoned places because of their history, mystery, and the sense of decay and loss that they evoke.
What is the significance of the 13 witches in the legend of Feltville?
The legend of the 13 witches is said to be connected to the bumps in the road on Johnson Drive, which is near Feltville. According to the legend, the witches were hanged for their crimes and swore to return, and their spirits are said to manifest as the bumps in the road.
What is the significance of the Gandini's Circus Camp in Edmund, Oklahoma?
The camp is said to be haunted by the spirits of the performers and animals who once lived there. The episode mentions legends of clowns being burned alive, a ringmaster kidnapping children, and a shadowy figure walking the grounds.
What is the purpose of Lore Legends?
Lore Legends is a podcast that explores strange tales that may not be found in history books. The podcast focuses on stories of abandoned towns, haunted places, and other unexplained phenomena.
How can I support Lore Legends?
You can support Lore Legends by subscribing to the ad-free version of the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. You can also purchase the Lore book series or watch the television show on Amazon Prime Video.
Show Notes
One of our biggest obsessions as a culture is abandoned places. But once you dig into the legends about these locations, it’s clear that something still lives inside them.
Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Harry Marks and research by Cassandra de Alba and editing by Alex Robinson.
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