Tahawus: The Ghost Town of New York
Tahawus, a name derived from an indigenous term meaning “cloud-splitter,” is a testament to the transient nature of human industry and the enduring power of nature. Once a bustling mining town in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in New York, Tahawus is now a ghost town, with its deserted buildings and quiet streets standing as silent reminders of a bygone era. The town, also known as Adirondac or McIntyre, was located in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County, New York. Today, it is nestled within the Adirondack Park, a protected area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The story of Tahawus is a fascinating tale of ambition, industry, and eventual abandonment, a narrative etched into the very landscape of this remote corner of New York State.
The Birth of a Mining Town
The story of Tahawus began in the early 19th century, when iron ore deposits were discovered in the area. The Adirondack Iron Works Company was established, and the town of Adirondack was born. The iron was extracted at what was known as the Upper Works, and for a time, the town thrived. The iron ore was rich in titanium dioxide, a compound that was not valued at the time but would later play a significant role in the town’s history. Between 1827 and 1857, the town was a hub of activity, with miners, smelters, and their families creating a vibrant community in the heart of the wilderness.
The Deserted Village
However, the prosperity was not to last. In 1857, the Adirondack Iron Works succumbed to the challenges posed by its remote location. The impurities in the iron ore made it difficult for the equipment of the era to process, and the town’s isolation made transportation of goods challenging. A devastating local flood and a nationwide economic crisis, known as the Panic of 1857, were the final nails in the coffin. The Upper Works were closed, and Adirondac became known as the “deserted village.”
The Preston Ponds Club
Despite the abandonment of the mining operations, the area was not entirely deserted. The land around Tahawus was rich in timber and game, making it attractive for lumbering operations and hunting. In 1876, the Preston Ponds Club was formed by James R. Thompson, an agent of the Adirondack Iron Works. The club leased an area around the three Preston Ponds from the Adirondack Iron and Steel Company, and for a time, the wilderness around the deserted village was alive with the sounds of axes and saws, and the laughter of hunters and fishermen.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Visit
Tahawus also played a small but significant role in American history. In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting the area when he received the news that President William McKinley had been shot by an anarchist. Roosevelt was vacationing in Vermont at the time, but he quickly left for Buffalo, New York, where McKinley had been shot. The event is a poignant reminder of the town’s connection to the broader currents of American history.
The Rebirth of Mining Operations
The story of Tahawus took a dramatic turn in 1940, when a new mine was opened. This time, the goal was not iron but the titanium dioxide that had been a nuisance in the early mining operations. National Lead Industries reopened the mines along Sanford Lake, about a mile south of the original operation. A new community was established in 1943 for the mineworkers, and the town was reborn as Tahawus. The town quickly grew, with 84 buildings constructed by 1945. Some of the structures from the original Adirondack were also used, creating a blend of old and new that added to the town’s unique character.
The Second Abandonment
However, the rebirth of Tahawus was short-lived. By 1989, the mining operations had once again ceased. The titanium had been exhausted, and the town was abandoned for the second time. The buildings were left empty, and the streets once again fell silent. The town’s second abandonment marked the end of an era, and Tahawus was left to the mercy of the elements.
Conservation Efforts
Despite its abandonment, Tahawus was not forgotten. The Open Space Institute, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving natural and historic landscapes, took an interest in the property. The institute recognized the value of the land, not just for its historical significance, but also for its role in the Hudson River watershed. In 2003, the institute partnered with the New York Adirondack Park Agency to purchase the 10,000-acre Tahawus tract for $8.5 million. The partnership marked the beginning of a new chapter in the town’s history, one focused on preservation and conservation.
Tahawus Today
Today, Tahawus is a ghost town, its deserted buildings and quiet streets a stark contrast to the bustling mining town it once was. However, the town is not entirely abandoned. The remains of at least 10 buildings still stand on the former village site, most of them constructed between 1890 and 1930 by the Tahawus Club. Only one of the buildings still standing on the site dates from the years when the old mining village of Adirondac was in operation, along with the remnants of the McIntyre Blast Furnace. These structures serve as a reminder of the town’s past, silent witnesses to the rise and fall of a community.
Exploring Tahawus
Despite its status as a ghost town, Tahawus continues to attract visitors. Its location in the heart of the Adirondack Park makes it a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts. The town’s abandoned buildings and the remnants of the mining operations offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The town’s proximity to the High Peaks Wilderness Area, including Mount Marcy, adds to its allure for those seeking both history and natural beauty. Today, the town serves as a reminder of a bygone era, with its deserted buildings and quiet streets telling the story of a once-thriving community that fell victim to economic hardship and the unforgiving wilderness.