The ghost town of Packard is located in Whitley County, Kentucky, United States. It was a mining camp where coal was mined. The town did well over the years reaching its peak by 1920. It was later abandoned and deserted leaving its state-of-the-art buildings to be devoured by termites and mother nature.

The early life of Packard

Thomas B. Mohan’s family relocated to Whitley County, Kentucky, the United States in the 1900s. Thomas discovered coal deposits in the area and immediately established a mining camp and a mining company which was named Packard for the exploitation of coal. The establishment of the camp led to a population increase as miners flocked the town seeking a livelihood. The mining camp and the company were named after Whitley County school teacher Amelia Packard. A railroad was constructed and a post office was built in late 1908.

The decline of the town 

As the saying goes, everything with a beginning must come to an end at some point. This was the case with Packard. By the 1930s, the mine had been operating for more than three decades. Most of its mines had been depleted and those that were still operational had deteriorated in nature both structurally and health-wise. There was only one store run by the mine’s management and it too had the same issues. Miners worried about their health and wellbeing complained of the miserable working and living conditions with no success. An inspection by the Kentucky Department of Miners would add an insult to injury after giving the mine a clean bill of health to continue operating. Miners were agitated and tired with the management but before they could take it to the roads by strikes, the anti-riot squad was sent to keep them working. These insane decisions made by the managers saw many miners resign, leaving around 5 workers in the vast mine. Operations in the mines ceased shortly afterward forcing the remaining miners to follow their counterparts.

What remained of the once Boisterous town?

Today the mines are still deserted with no future of ever being operational ever again. Coal deprived the region of its biodiversity rendering the land inhabitable according to the Bureau of land management. Sinkholes and depressions left behind by the operations are currently filled with dirty contaminated rainwater that acts as a breeding place for mosquitoes. 

The region and its environs are strictly out of bounds to the general public allowing only research and educational tours. Although plans to try to neutralize the toxic coal ashes that were left behind have been discussed by the managing body and the local government, no implementation has been done yet.