Located in Haddam, Connecticut, USA is an old ghost town that had one of the most thriving mills in Connecticut. Johnsonville village has been deserted for more than 9 decades now. Serving as a tourist attraction, the building still hosts some business premises and a small Christian community village.

Mills of Johnsonville village

Johnsonville village came to existence when a mill by the name “Neptune Mill” was constructed in the region. The region which was blessed with Moodus and Salmon river that offered water for power harnessing. This greatly supported mills growth leading to establishment of a new Triton Mill. Over the years, Neptune Mill expanded leading to more investors having an interest in its potential. A millionaire Raymond Schmitt purchased the mill from John's family. Raymond would later go on to develop the town. The population grew and by 1966, Johnsonville was a fully flagged town. Tourist attraction sites located in the town did not only attract tourists but also film makers.

Fall of the town

Later on, in 1972, the famous Neptune Mill was struck by lightning that burned it down completely. This would slow business down in the area since the mill was the only pillar of economy. Two decades later, Raymond got into trouble with local authorities leading to closure of the attraction sites which was the only standing business premise. The property was sold off in 1998 after the death of Raymond Schmitt. Most of the magnificent 1900s houses that stand in the 69-acre property have weakened over time making them unstable. This makes them unpredictably dangerous since they can collapse at any given day. If you plan to visit the townsite, you are advised to always be on the lookout.

What remains of the famous Johnsonville Village?

After Raymond’s death, the property was sold to a local developer who aimed at renovating the townsite. The developer had plans of turning the old rusty village into a hotel complex. The plans never materialized and by 2013, the village was still rotting in despair. The historic village had its 3 seconds of fame when it was featured on the famous Abandoned film show. Today, though owned by the independent Christian church, Johnsonville village is in total ruin with graffiti covering up almost every one of the remaining structures.  Visits are allowed under the supervision of the current owners. Several homesteads have been kept intact with artifacts that were used by those who resided in the town still there. In the mills, milling machines though have now rusted beyond repair still stand in the middle of the extensive mills. Some surfaces like the rusted surface of the milling machines can cause tetanus when handled carelessly.