Nestled in the heart of Mercer County, West Virginia, the Lake Shawnee Amusement Park stands as a chilling monument to a bygone era. Established in 1926, the park was once a lively center of laughter and joy. However, beneath its cheerful facade lay a dark past that eventually led to its abandonment.
Land of Tragedy
The land where Lake Shawnee was constructed has been steeped in sorrow since 1783. It became the site of a brutal conflict between the region’s first European settler, Mitchell Clay, and a group of Shawnee Native Americans, resulting in the tragic death of Clay’s children. This event marked the beginning of the land’s grim history.
The Birth of an Amusement Park
In an effort to overshadow the land’s somber legacy, entrepreneur Conley T. Snidow transformed it into an amusement park. Featuring attractions like a Ferris wheel, swing rides, and a swimming pool, the park quickly became a local favorite. However, the joy was short-lived as the park became the site of several accidents, including the drowning of a young boy and the death of a girl on the swing ride.
The Park’s Decline
After these incidents, the park’s popularity waned, leading to its closure in 1967 due to a failed health inspection. Though briefly reopening in 1987, it was permanently shut down in 1988 due to rising insurance costs. The land was left to decay, becoming a ghostly shell of its former self.
A Haunted Attraction
In the early 1990s, the discovery of Native American artifacts and graves turned the abandoned park into an archaeological site of interest. This led to the park gaining notoriety for being haunted, with reports of paranormal activity attracting thrill-seekers and ghost hunters.
Media Spotlight
The park’s eerie atmosphere and haunted reputation caught the attention of the media. It was featured in television series such as “Scariest Places on Earth” and “Most Terrifying Places in America,” solidifying its status as one of the country’s creepiest locations.
Conclusion
Today, the Lake Shawnee Amusement Park remains a desolate landscape, its rusting rides and overgrown paths serving as a stark reminder of its turbulent past. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of history and the indelible mark that tragedy can leave on a place. For those brave enough to visit, it offers an unsettling glimpse into the shadows of yesteryear, making it truly one of the creepiest places in America.