Perched atop Buck Mountain in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, sits a decaying relic of a bygone era: Ghost Town in the Sky. Once a thriving Wild West-themed amusement park, Ghost Town in the Sky has been abandoned for over a decade, its once-bustling streets now eerily silent.
The park’s story began in 1961, when entrepreneur R.B. Coburn envisioned a mountaintop amusement park that would offer visitors a unique glimpse into the Old West. Coburn acquired a large tract of land on Buck Mountain and began construction on his dream project.
Ghost Town in the Sky opened to the public in 1963 and quickly became a popular tourist destination. Visitors could ride a chairlift or incline car to the top of the mountain and explore a replica Wild West town complete with saloons, shops, and live entertainment. The park also featured a number of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carousel.
Ghost Town in the Sky was a major success in the 1960s and 1970s, drawing visitors from all over the country. However, the park began to struggle in the 1980s and 1990s as competition from other amusement parks increased. In 2002, Ghost Town in the Sky closed its doors for good.
Over the years, Ghost Town in the Sky has fallen into a state of disrepair. The rides and attractions have been dismantled, the buildings are crumbling, and the grounds are overgrown with weeds. The park has become a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers, who come to see the eerie remnants of a once-popular theme park.
The Curse of Ghost Town in the Sky?
Some people believe that Ghost Town in the Sky is cursed. There have been a number of strange and unexplained occurrences at the park over the years, including employee deaths, unexplained fires, and reports of ghostly apparitions.
One of the most famous stories about Ghost Town in the Sky involves a young boy who fell from a roller coaster and was killed. According to legend, the boy’s ghost still haunts the park, and visitors have reported seeing him walking the streets or riding the roller coaster.
Another popular story involves a group of employees who were working late at night when they heard strange noises coming from the saloon. The employees went to investigate and found that the saloon was filled with smoke. When they tried to open the doors, they found that they were locked. The employees eventually managed to escape, but they were all shaken by the experience.
The Future of Ghost Town in the Sky
The future of Ghost Town in the Sky is uncertain. The park has been abandoned for over a decade, and its current owners are reportedly struggling to find a buyer. There have been a number of proposals for the park’s redevelopment, including turning it into a museum, a hotel, or a residential development. However, none of these proposals have come to fruition.
In recent years, there have been renewed efforts to save Ghost Town in the Sky. A group of preservationists has formed a non-profit organization called Friends of Ghost Town in the Sky. The organization is working to raise money to restore the park and reopen it to the public.
It is unclear whether Ghost Town in the Sky will ever reopen. However, the park’s unique history and eerie atmosphere continue to fascinate people from all over the world. Ghost Town in the Sky is a reminder of a bygone era, and it remains a popular destination for those who are interested in exploring the abandoned ruins of a once-popular amusement park.
Beyond the Myths and Legends
While Ghost Town in the Sky may have a certain mystique surrounding it, it is important to remember that it was also a real place that employed real people and brought joy to many families. The park’s decline is a reminder of the challenges that many amusement parks face, especially in the face of increasing competition from other forms of entertainment.
However, the park’s abandonment also offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of the Wild West and the role that amusement parks play in our culture. Ghost Town in the Sky is a reminder of our fascination with the past and our desire to experience something new.
It is also worth noting that there is a renewed interest in preserving abandoned amusement parks. These parks offer a unique glimpse into our culture and history, and they can be a valuable resource for students and historians.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Ghost Town in the Sky. However, one thing is for sure: the park’s story is one that continues to fascinate people from all over the world.