Philadelphia, PA - People worldwide have been discovering the aborted Alvira Bunkers in Union County, Pennsylvania, for the past few years. This abandoned community was once home to a gas station, blacksmith shop, school, and church. After the war, it was evacuated, and all but the church was destroyed. The town was surrounded by a large munitions factory built on 17 miles of railroad and 55 miles of roads. The munitions factory consisted of 149 domed earth-covered bunker magazines for the storage of tons of explosives. The buildings were designed to look like igloos and to keep explosives from getting out.
Nestled within Union County, Pennsylvania, lies a site shrouded in both mystery and history: the abandoned Alvira Bunkers. This fascinating area, once a vibrant village and later a secret wartime industrial complex, now offers a unique opportunity for exploration. While the bunkers themselves are the main draw, visitors can also delve into the poignant remnants of the past, including a preserved cemetery. Accessible by car and on foot, the Alvira Bunkers provide a tangible link to a pivotal moment in American history.
Alvira: A Town Transformed by War
The story of Alvira, Pennsylvania, is one of dramatic transformation. What was once a thriving, peaceful village underwent a profound change in 1942:
- Government Seizure: In a move that altered its fate forever, the U.S. government seized the town of Alvira in 1942.
- Wartime Production: The area was then converted into a massive TNT manufacturing plant, playing a crucial role in the nation's World War II efforts. This facility was vital for producing explosives needed for the war.
- Post-War Abandonment: Sadly, after the cessation of hostilities, the demand for TNT plummeted, leading to the closure of the facility. For nearly six decades following the war, the structures that once buzzed with activity, including the numerous bunkers, sat abandoned and slowly reclaimed by nature.
Exploring the Alvira Bunkers Today
Today, the former site of Alvira and its wartime bunkers are located within State Game Lands 252, making it a unique destination for history buffs and urban explorers alike.
- Accessibility: The abandoned Alvira Bunkers are largely accessible by car, with various points allowing for exploration on foot. While some bunkers are open for visitors to safely explore, others remain locked, often used for storage by state agencies.
- Beyond the Bunkers: While the bunkers are the primary attraction, visitors should also explore the cemetery on the grounds. Here, tombstones from the once-thriving village of Alvira stand preserved, offering a somber yet compelling reminder of the community that existed before its wartime transformation.
- Safety and Caution: It's always best to be cautious when exploring any abandoned structures. However, for those concerned about potential hazards from its TNT manufacturing past, it's reassuring to know that radiation testing conducted in 2011 revealed no indications of radiation in the area.
- Hunting Season Advisory: As the site is within State Game Lands 252, visiting is permitted during hunting season. For your safety, it is essential to wear orange to protect yourself from hunters if you visit during these periods.
The abandoned Alvira Bunkers offer a fascinating and somewhat eerie journey into a forgotten chapter of Pennsylvania's history. From a peaceful village to a vital wartime TNT plant and then to decades of abandonment, the site tells a powerful story of change, national service, and ultimate stillness. For anyone seeking to learn about this historic town and explore unique abandoned structures, a visit to the Alvira Bunkers in Union County, Pennsylvania, promises a captivating and thought-provoking experience. Remember to wear orange if visiting during hunting season!
