Red Ash

West Virginia's ghost towns are coal company towns, owned outright by the mine and abandoned the same way.

The Red Ash Mine disasters were two deadly mine disasters that occurred at the Red Ash mine in Fire Creek, West Virginia, on March 6, 1900, and on March 18, 1905. The first disaster was a result of a worker accidentally leaving a ventilating trap door open, resulting in a buildup of methane. It is believed that their coal lights ignited the methane and blasting powder kegs, which caused a severe explosion that killed 46 men and boys, most of whom suffocated from carbon monoxide inhalation. The second disaster resulted from a mine car accidentally running over some loose explosives.

The on-the-ground condition of Red Ash 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 Red Ash 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.

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.