Back in 1942, the United States government expropriated through Eminent Domain all property within the Town of Alvira, established in 1825 as Wisetown and re-named in the 1860s, for use as a munitions depot. I love history and would love to add this to my itinerary. Many of the bunkers are hidden by brush or almost entirely covered by foliage during the warmer months. I used to dream about that bridge. The church is on the federal prison property, and is only open to the public for special events such as the Christmas service. The room is about 15 feet high and about 25 feet diameter in a circle. When the government found that the need for explosives wasn't as great as what was initially thought the explosives factory was closed down. more... By Atlasobscura. They then bulldozed the town and built an explosives factory with many igloo shaped storage bunkers throughout the area. That turned into a game the whole time we were up there for who could find the most shells. Apr 11, 2020 - There’s no need to travel far to see abandoned settlements and industrial ruins. It was interesting enough to draw the attention of even my 13 year old. Great history lesson for the kids and yourself cant wait to see your next trip! The Alvira Bunkers - Abandoned Places - Ghost Town - STIFFCHIN - STILLFIN STILLFIN & STIFFCHIN Explore the Alvira Bunkers. 150 storage bunkers, 17 miles of railroad track, 55 miles of roads, and 300 buildings replaced what was once the town of Alvira. Be sure to follow along with us on our crazy adventures on Instragram as well: https://www.instagram.com/singlemomstrongtraveler/. We stayed there for about 2 hours and came across 11 of them. There are only few remaining bunkers of WW2 to see and some are not accessible. The operation included 149 concrete bunkers for storing explosive materials. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It's where your interests connect you with your people. Located on State Game Lands, this hidden gem is home to 150 Military Bunkers Spanned across Acres of Wilderness. Tumblr is a place to express yourself, discover yourself, and bond over the stuff you love. Bunkers of Alvira | Credit: atlasobscura. On March 7 1942, residents gathered at the Christ Lutheran Church, where they were told that the government needed their land for the war effort, but that they would be able to repurchase it after the war ended. I think its great you and your family take time to travel around often near you. The kids also searched for different birds and animals. The old munition bunkers are a must see. Go 1.4 miles and turn right onto Alvira Road. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. It has tons of fascinating stories, though, beyond the legacy of the Founding Fathers, Liberty Bell, and the Battle of Gettysburg. The Sudden Death Of Alvira (. I love going to different historical sites and taking it all in. Making TNT is a "sloppy process", and that land is too contaminated to ever be farmed again.). After the land of Alvira was seized, the Susquehana Ordnance Depot was built to manufacture and store explosives. Metzeger. Residing on what is now State Game Lands 252, the abandoned Alvira bunkers can legally be visited 365 days a year! Within a few short months, everything but the church was gone. Although recently discovered papers link this area to the Manhattan project, and radioactive waste was stored here, there are no traces of radiation in this area. After the land of Alvira was seized, the Susquehana Ordnance Depot was built to manufacture and store explosives. It’s always a great way to rendre hommage to those people who fought for their country during WW2. We bundled up, plugged the address in the GPS and headed out Saturday morning. I'll read the comments and approve them to post as soon as I can! REMAINS: 3 cementarys, 2 old church foundations, several house foundations. This sounds like an amazing adventure and an experience to remember. I love finding abandoned places. Hi Cassie! Lovely description. Name Alvira Categories. Another valuable article of yours. Apr 25, 2020 - The Alvira Bunkers in Union County, PA, are abandoned ordnance bunkers that date back to World War 2. In a matter of eleven months, Alvira was gone, replaced with 150 concrete bunkers. Apr 10, 2016 - The Munitions Bunkers of Alvira, Pennsylvania - Located in state game lands, you will find 149 concrete domed bunkers created by the federal government, as well as overgrown remains of the village of Alvira, Pennsylvania. Alvira (historical) car rental Compare Alvira (historical) car rental offers of 500+ suppliers. One of the 149 abandoned Alvira bunkers in Union County. The bunkers are located on the state game lands so now was the perfect time to go exploring before the hunters came out for spring gobbler season. The Alvira Bunkers - Abandoned Places - Ghost Town - STIFFCHIN - STILLFIN STILLFIN & STIFFCHIN Explore the Alvira Bunkers. This is so cool! Destination PA: Bunkers of Alvira WTAJ | 07-07 ALLENWOOD, Pa. (WTAJ) — If you’re looking for a day trip this summer, nature lovers and history fans would enjoy an easy road trip out to Union County, where a historical landmark called the “Bunkers of Alvira” are located. A Documentary - Surrender! In the time when vegetation came back to life in 1942, the federal government seized a small village in north eastern Pennsylvania called Alvira. 1884-2198 Alvira Road, Gregg Township, Union County . The Alvira Bunkers are hidden away in state game lands near Williamsport. In 1942, the US Government took over the small town of Alvira and razed all the buildings in order to build 149 ammunition bunkers to prepare for World War 2 to come to our shores. Operations  ceased on January 14th 1944. You could almost feel the workers making the bunkers. ( Log Out /  So much history in one place. Nothing was found but shotgun shells. A river pump house and dam were constructed on the east side of the highway, near the river. We saw a couple deer in the distance along with a couple wild cats and squirrels. He would be so amazing, but also a little sad, to visit such a historical place. "In May 2011, the state Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Radiation performed gamma radiation scans on roadways on state game land. Each one, 47 feet in diameter, 24 feet high, constructed entirely of concrete. The rest of the ordnance and farms were located on properties now owned or controlled by the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex, Pennsylvania College of Technology, White Deer Golf Course and other individuals. Villagers from the tiny town of Alvira in northcentral Pennsylvania are some of World War II’s unsung heroes. Sign in or sign up to post comments. COMMENTS: No current residents. The need for TNT production had been overestimated, and the entire operation ceased 11 months after it began. NAME: Alvira COUNTY: Union ROADS: 2WD GRID: 2 CLIMATE: Hot Summer and Snow in the Winter BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and early fall. In order to meet an increased demand for munitions, the federal government leveled the town to … It’s shocking and a shame. Bunkers of Alvira. 5 of them were unlocked. Cracow (Poland) has a few bunkers from the WW2. They abandoned their homes when the U.S. government needed the land to build 149 concrete, igloo-style bunkers to house its rapidly expanding stockpile of explosives. A river pump house and dam were constructed on the east side of the highway, near the river. My great-great grandparents – Alvira, PA. Not much else remains of the town. There is also debris stored in them from the park service. Yoder, who lives near Mausdale and turned 95 on Aug. 15, was the oldest of nine children. Each bunker held 250,000 pounds of TNT, which had been shipped in in wooden crates. In 1942, the US Government took over the small town of Alvira and razed all the buildings in order to build 149 ammunition bunkers to prepare for World War 2 to come to our shores. A petition was filed in March of 1942 in the federal courthouse in Scranton, seeking the right of immediate condemnation of 7,604 acres of the White Deer Valley, and possession of all properties within the Ordinance Works as well as other properties outside of the Ordinance fences. Less then 100 years after it was named Alvira, in 1942, the War Department acquired, mostly by eminent domain, all 8,400 acres. bunkers of alvira is abandoned ammunition bunkers from wwii. ( Log Out /  See the Documentary this week-end at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg, Followed by a talk at the Barnes & Noble Book Store Across The Street, "To add to the excitement of the Alvira documentary showing day, March 31, Steve and Martha Huddy, the “SURRENDER!” filmmakers, and Paul Metzger, author of “Deeds of the Valley: The Land that Became the Ordnance” will be holding a discussion regarding Alvira in the 3rd floor community room in the Barnes and Noble across the street from the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg. The parking area will be on your left and you’ll see this sign: It might not look like much at first, just a wooded and field area. Alvira a farming community founded in 1825 as "Wisetown" and had 100 inhabitants by 1900 the town of Alvira contained a blacksmith shop, school, post office, several shops, and three churches. I cannot wait until our next trip to cross another unique place off our list. It was interesting enough to draw the attention of even my 13 year old. 3 people watched. Allenwood. ALLENWOOD, Pa. (WTAJ) — If you’re looking for a day trip this summer, nature lovers and history fans would enjoy an easy road trip out to Union County, where a historical landmark called the “Bunkers of Alvira” are located. So much history here and around the world, Thanks for sharing with us. One of the 149 abandoned Alvira bunkers in Union County. Once you reach the address for the state game lands, you have to drive about a half mile down the road. 150 storage bunkers, 17 miles of railroad track, 55 miles of roads, and 300 buildings replaced what was once the town of Alvira. Only after 11 months of operation, the need for TNT was greatly over estimated and the Ordnance was closed.In the 1950’s the land was distributed and the factory torn down, but the TNT bunkers … We investigate at the bunkers of Alvira PA and get this unsettling evp ... Category PARANORMAL VIDEOS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. 2 days ago . A small town which housed approximately 100 people; Eminent Domain was exercised on Alvira during the spring of 1942. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Located in state game lands, you will find 149 concrete domed bunkers created by the federal government, as well as overgrown remains of the village of Alvira, Pennsylvania. Apr 9, 2017 - The Bunkers of Alvira is an Other Historical spot in Allenwood. We have plenty of amazing sites right here in the Keystone State! Wow, such a great deal of historical information. The government seized land in the town of Alvira and built a $50 million facility in its stead during World War II. Both were wonderful and unique in their own way. During the interview, Huddy said Alvira was among 76 … The Bureau of Prisons did not permit scans of two igloos on its land, DEP said.". To learn more, see the full Privacy Policy for this blog here: How To Get There - From US 15, take PA 44 West for 4.3 miles and turn right on Mill Road. What an interesting and thought provoking place to visit. Thanks for sharing! Please keep up your good work and post such informative articles. So cool. ", "My grandmother's mother was actually carried off her front porch and her house was torn down by bulldozers," says historian Paul C. I can just see the kids surrying around with their metal detector searching for treasures of our WW2 training past. This was a great way to enjoy family time together. This site uses Google Analytics. When you walk down the path, keep an eye out on either side of the trails. The government seized land in the town of Alvira and built a $50 million facility in its stead during World War II. The 149 "igloo style" bunkers housed munitions some of which believed to be radioactive. A TNT factory and 100 some bunkers where built to hold the explosives. View All. ", https://www.pahomepage.com/news/hidden-history-bunkers-of-alvira/844987687. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 100 BUNKERS THAT CAN BE FOUND BY GPS. 1 people watched. It’s truly historical and saddening to think of all the people that lost their homes both here in the US from this and all the people in other countries from that war. What an interesting place to visit. I'm a single mom of 5 amazing children, travel blogger and rock star virtual assistant. Allenwood. There are several munition bunkers (or igloos) back there though and people like to hike and check them out. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII (spring 1942) the town of Alvira was seized by the US Government, raized, and turned into the Susquehanna Ordnance Depot. US Army Bases MilitaryBases.com. Villagers from the tiny town of Alvira in northcentral Pennsylvania are some of World War II’s unsung heroes. "Betty Yoder remembers she and her brother, Nevin, driving their cows from Alvira to a farm the family bought in the Limestoneville area. The lost village of Alvira and a portion of the ordnance are located on 3,000 state-owned acres that are controlled by the Game Commission. Wow! 1884-2198 Alvira Road, Gregg Township, Union County . I definitely for the creepy sense when stepping inside the bunkers especially since I went during warm weather and the bunkers were a lot cooler than outside. Children have surely taken even greater lesson than from school. They abandoned their homes when the U.S. government needed the land to build 149 concrete, igloo-style bunkers to house its rapidly expanding stockpile of explosives. All that remains are a few cemeteries, and the stone church where residents learned they were losing their land. Change ). The kids spilled out of the car in excitement, arguing about which way they wanted to walk. 2 days ago . … 150 storage bunkers, 17 miles of railroad track, 55 miles of roads, and 300 buildings replaced what was once the town of Alvira. Very Informative. You can still see some of the foundations of the houses and buildings that were torn down. ( Log Out /  Btw. The first bunker was right down the path and was locked. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Plan your road trip to The Bunkers of Alvira in PA with Roadtrippers. We search over 500 approved car hire suppliers to find you the very best Alvira (historical) rental prices available. The abandoned Alvira munitions bunkers in Union County are a series of 149 concrete, dome-shaped structures used to store TNT manufactured for the war effort during WWII. Each bunker held 250,000 … All in all a wonderful way to dive back in time and look at history! This a trip into history… Love the idea you are able to combine your trips with motherhood:) 4,200 acres deeded to the US Bureau Of Prisons (This is where the prison complex, and the landfill are now located), 3,018 acres were given to the Game Commission, 220 acres were given to Lycoming County (a golf course is now on this land), 400 acres were given to Williamsport Area Community College (Now PennTech), (I learned recently that the land was never returned because it could not be - it is too contaminated. It's where your interests connect you with your people. The Amazing History of Alvira and the White Deer Valley Alvira once had been a lovely, yet isolated, community. Photographer. As we kept walking, we came upon a second bunker which was open. It’s about 20 minutes south of Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. I visited this and Centralia in the same day. Alvira, Pennsylvania and The Bunkers A while back my friend Jared and I visited Pennsylvania State Game Lands 252 near Allenwood, Pennsylvania which is where the town of Alvira once existed. A US government project in the 1940s to… by thethoughtpolice Such a shame but still awesome bucket list adventure there! My 10 year old scrambled up the dirt mound to try to look down the air pipe but was too dark so he decided to start using his metal detector. Sounds like such an eye-opening experience. This event is over, but the movie is still available for purchase  - or you can borrow it from the Union County Public Library. what a historical visit to world war two bunkers, my kid will likely enjoye the stroll and detecting some metal scraps in the area. Only after 11 months of operation, the need for TNT was greatly over estimated and the Ordnance was closed.In the 1950’s the land was distributed and the factory torn down, but the TNT bunkers … I love to bring my family to places where they can learn about our history. In the spring of 1942 the federal government seized the town and evicted the residents. Our goal to travel to an unique new place within our state or close by every weekend took us to a small town called Allenwood, PA this weekend. The homes and structures were all burnt to the ground. Apr 9, 2017 - Discover Bunkers of Alvira in Allenwood, Pennsylvania: Over 100 concrete munitions bunkers are all that remain of a Pennsylvanian village seized by the US government. In a few places you can see foundations of homes or old steps that now lead to nowhere. makes you think of all the people our countries lost. 150 storage bunkers, 17 miles of railroad track, 55 miles of roads, and 300 buildings replaced what was once the town of Alvira. When I first heard about it I was sad. It later did the same on two igloos on the game land that had been identified as holding the uranium shavings in barrels. This was a very exciting adventure for you and your family. The government tore down the buildings and built 149 "igloo" styled bunkers for storing explosive material for the war. Be the first to comment. Apr 9, 2017 - Discover Bunkers of Alvira in Allenwood, Pennsylvania: Over 100 concrete munitions bunkers are all that remain of a Pennsylvanian village seized by the US government. Back in 1942, the United States government expropriated through Eminent Domain all property within the Town of Alvira, established in 1825 as Wisetown and re-named in the 1860s, for use as a munitions depot. Find More Posts About Our Local History Here: with a love of Genealogy & Local History. The Pennsylvania Game Commission Map shows the locations of the bunkers, which are still on the property today: (Molly is wearing her "I'm not a Rabbit" vest, hiking during hunting season). It was an amazing trip to another place the I had no idea that existed in Pennsylvania. My Pictures Of The Stone Church, Christmas 2018, More Pictures of the Bunkers & ruins in the Game Lands, https://www.dailyitem.com/news/remembering-alvira-a-pennsylvania-village-lost/article_32f809e4-8d7f-11e7-a3fb-d3f839c2ac8d.html, See photos of the Stone Church Christmas Service in 2018 here, https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2015/03/historian_confirms_radioactive.html, https://www.facebook.com/116216865062937/photos/a.814627305221886/2785036518180945/?type=3&theater, https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/places-to-hike.html, https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/p/history.html, https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2016/11/privacy-policy.html, McEwensville [Formerly Pine Grove], Pennsylvania, When Three Unmasked Bandits Robbed The Exchange & Allenwood Banks, To Pay A Traffic Fine. It was also remote enough to keep the activities somewhat private and out of view. By 1942, the town included schools, a gas station, a blacksmith shop, and a church, along with other businesses, and had a population of over 100. This town has so much history and is interesting to visit. ( Log Out /  Tumblr is a place to express yourself, discover yourself, and bond over the stuff you love. Bunkers from WW2 sounds intriguing. The tract was large enough for the 150 bunkers planned to store the TNT, with an appropriate safety radius around each one. 5. Hidden in the Pennsylvania state game lands #252 are the Bunkers of Alvira. Photographs of bunker are telling lot about this less known place. Old town-tomb stones date back to the early 1800's. The bunkers are located on the state game lands so … A close-knit community, it boasted tidy houses, white picket fences and four churches. There are so many unknown places to know, informative post. For urban explorers, there is a different reason to go to this deserted town: the Bunkers of Alvira. This seems like a really cool place. Wonderful read. About 4 miles to the north west of Allenwood PA. Some of the bunkers can still be seen. It made a racket,” she said. Alvira Bunker Evidence; After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the United States was determined to ramp up production of necessary war materials, at all costs. The scans found no indication of uranium or other gamma-emitting radioactive elements above the natural background levels, the report states. Each one, 47 feet in diameter, 24 feet high, constructed entirely of concrete. If a bunker exploded, it needed to be placed far enough away from the other bunkers that it did not cause another bunker to explode, preventing a domino effect. They continued through Watsontown with the cattle, walking behind them to their destination. In order to meet an increased demand for munitions, the federal government leveled the town to … 01:28. This site may occasionally use affiliate links. Located in state game lands, you will find 149 concrete domed bunkers created by the federal government, as well as overgrown remains of the village of Alvira, Pennsylvania. Mar 18, 2017 - Discover Bunkers of Alvira in Allenwood, Pennsylvania: Over 100 concrete munitions bunkers are all that remain of a Pennsylvanian village seized by the US government.