Big Run

Pennsylvania invented the American company town — coal patches and oil booms that burned bright and short.

Big Run is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 624 at the 2010 census, a decline from the figure of 686 tabulated in 2000. The borough was named for the waterway of the same name.

The on-the-ground condition of Big Run is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Big Run is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Big Run is roughly 40.9700, -78.8778 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.