There are so many abandoned places in Portland! This is a list of the top three abandoned places in Portland. Browse through all abandoned places in Portland
Witch's Castle is a two-story structure built in the middle of Macleay Park, Portland. The structure which was built to serve as a restroom and picnic center in Macleay Park is known by many names. Some call it the Stone House, Macleay Park Shelter, and Witches or Witch's Castle just to mention a few.
In 1964, the Columbus Day storm damaged the sophisticated water supply system. The Stone house became a daunting task to maintain after a failed water system. Due to this, the Bureau of Parks decided to demolish the Stone house though they were never successful. The roof and windows were removed leaving a skeleton of stoned walls and staircase climbing into the concrete structure.
Witch’s castle having faced a potential amount of destruction both from the Parks Bureau and the 1964 Columbus Day storm, it still stands strong. The roof and windows were all removed probably during the demolition attempt process which was never successful. The walls are covered by all kinds of colors of graffiti. Tendrils of climbing plants cover the concrete ruins that remain of the structure giving it a look that resembles the 21st-century witches houses we see in animations. This 1800s architectural ruin has no plans of giving up or collapsing any soon. Witches or witch’s castle got its name from high school teenagers who host illegal parties at the building.
The stone house or whatever you would like to call it is still in Macleay National Park and open to the public to visit. Booking of the tour is done through the Bureau of Parks. When you are free, find time to visit this magnificent architectural ruin that now sits in despair. You will love it.
Shanghai tunnels are abandoned underground passages below old Chinatown in Portland Oregon. Built-in the 1850s, the tunnels were built to connect hotels and business premises to the waterfront of Willamette River. The tunnels are currently in ruins after being closed permanently.
Shanghai tunnels got their name from the Chinese word which refers to the act of practicing abduction. Due to its direct access to the Willamette River, abductors and human traffickers used the tunnel to smuggle those that they’ve kidnapped to various parts of the world. An underground passageway that was built to help the people of Portland came to haunt them when drug lords, shrewd businessmen, and traffickers took over the tunnels. At one point, the tunnels were used to smuggle alcohol which was banned in the state of Maine at the time. Underground casinos, drug dens, and brothels were secretly established in the tunnels.
Over the years, the tunnels were found to be unstable and they risked collapsing. On top of that, cases of illegal activities in the tunnels were too much for the state of Oregon to turn a blind eye to. To protect Portland’s name from being tainted, the state of Oregon permanently closed Shanghai tunnels
Tourists at the tunnels say they have witnessed abnormal activities. The spirit of the young lady who roams the tunnels is said to be of Nina, a local prostitute who was abducted and raped before being murdered. But that is not the only spirit at the tunnels, some reported hearing women's voices screaming and even being tugged or tripped by people they could not see.
Shanghai tunnels still stand in despair. Most of its walls have cracks due to exposure to dampness over the years. Though it is closed, educational tours are permitted by the government. Portland tunnels are the only certified organization to offer educational tours in the tunnels.
James John high school is a former public school in St. John Oregon. It was opened in 1911 and closed in 1923 when a new school Roosevelt High was built to replace it. The school had only four students graduate in its first year of opening.
In 1920, James John high school was closed temporarily after it was deemed unsafe for students. During the rebuilding, students were sent to nearby Jefferson high school. The school was rebuilt but never reopened, a new one Roosevelt high was constructed and occupied in 1923. This led to the original James John High School being forsaken for good.
Old James John high school was devoured by fire a few years after its abandonment. Although the fire was contained before it took the whole building down, there isn’t much that is left of the school. Before the fire incident, the school was used to host elementary school kids until 1929. In December of the same year, the school was abandoned a second time when the present James John Elementary School was opened. The school still stands at its original location to date but is in an extremely deteriorated state. Its walls have crumbled over time and the paints have all pilled off over time. Though at a minimal rate, the building has experienced some vandalism and graffiti all over its dilapidated walls.
The school is permanently closed Not allowing anyone to get into the premises. Oregon state, which the school is still under its ownership and maintenance, had plans of demolishing the school but the plans are currently on hold for the moment.