Abandoned sky-high settlement, featuring a 1,050-meter rollercoaster and forsaken saloons, may be revived for public access once more.
Ghost town in sky getting a second chance
Welcome, folks! Prepare yourself for some Wild West excitement, as a ghost town in the sky fresh from decay could be reopening soon. This spooky, abandoned attraction boasts a death-defying 1,050m-high rollercoaster and deserted saloons.
The rundown park, Ghost Town Village, was previously known as Ghost Town in the Sky, and it's nestled in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Sitting atop Buck Mountain, with a top elevation of 4,650 ft, this Wild West-themed amusement park has an interesting past.
History buffs, grab your cowboy hats!
A distant dream become reality
The land to build the park was purchased from local land owner Uncle Dan Carpenter in 1960. R.B. Coburn, an attraction mogul, had heard a tall tale about Carpenter's missing sheep in a large cavern on top of Buck Mountain. Inspired, Coburn saw an opportunity to build a western tourist town.
Coburn had visited the authentic ghost towns of the American West and loved the unique way they transported visitors to a lost part of the country’s history. Over two hundred locals helped construct the 40 replica buildings that made up the Western Town at the mountain’s peak.
Mountain of adventures
The park opened on May 1, 1961, and quickly became one of Western North Carolina's most popular tourist attractions. It hosted several stars of TV Westerns, such as Laramie and Wagon Train. Hourly staged gun fights on the main street were a massive draw for visitors.
The park used the mountainous terrain it sat on to its advantage, with guests plunging out of the station and directly into a vertical loop before setting off for twists and turns along the mountainside.
Decline and fall
However, as the years went by, the park faced challenges under new management and a lack of real maintenance. Frequently broken roller coasters and rides started to deter visitors, leading to a decline in attendance.
Infrastructure issues like water, power, and sewage problems also plagued the park's owners. Employees began to complain about not receiving their salaries, and these issues sadly led to the park's closure at the end of the 2009 season.
The calls of the wild beckon once more
Regardless of its chequered past, the park may see a revival, according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association. A potential buyer from Florida has expressed interest in purchasing the defunct amusement park, with plans to transform it into a family-friendly venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals.
While ghost towns in the sky may seem cursed, the spirit of the Wild West lives on! Keep your eyes open for more updates on this exciting development!
[References]
_1. Blue Ridge Mountain Life
_2. National Amusement Park Historical Association
_3. Ghost Towns of the Carolinas
_4. NCpedia
_5. Blue Ridge Now
As a echo of the Wild West reemerges, a potential buyer from Florida seeks to transform the defunct Ghost Town in the Sky into a family-friendly venue, promising a blend of country music, rodeos, and festivals, reviving the spirit of entertainment and sports in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
The proposed revival of Ghost Town in the Sky, a Wild West-themed amusement park offerings thrilling rides and live entertainment, could reignite the passion for sports and entertainment in the region, following its tumultuous past and eventual closure.
