There's a particular quiet you only find where a town used to be. Peale has it. Charles Willson Peale (April 15, 1741 – February 22, 1827) was an American painter, military officer, scientist, and naturalist.
Clearfield County holds 4 documented ghost towns, including Eriton, Gazzam, Helvetia — Peale keeps them company on the map.
The story of Peale
Pennsylvania invented the American company town — coal patches and oil booms that burned bright and short.
Charles Willson Peale (April 15, 1741 – February 22, 1827) was an American painter, military officer, scientist, and naturalist. In 1775, inspired by the American Revolution, Peale moved from his native Maryland to Philadelphia, where he set up a painting studio and joined the Sons of Liberty. During the American Revolutionary War, Peale served in the Pennsylvania Militia and the Continental Army, participating in several military campaigns. In addition to his military service, Peale also served in the Pennsylvania State Assembly from 1779 to 1780.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Peale 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.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Peale 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 Peale is roughly 40.9978, -78.0814 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
Good to know
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.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Peale FAQs
01Where is Peale located?
02What county is Peale in?
03What is the history of Peale?
04What remains at Peale today?
05Can you visit Peale?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Charles Willson Peale”), CC BY-SA.
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