Did you know that New Jersey currently holds the title as the most densely populated state in America? Considering that fact alone, you'd think that every town is booming and thriving, right?

Well think again! If you travel just 15-25 minutes from Atlantic City, you can find 2 of the coolest and most historic "ghost towns" in the Garden State!

  • via Google Earth
    via Google Earth
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    Amatol

    The ghost town of Amatol is located in Mullica Township, practically in between Hammonton and Egg Harbor City. Originally, munition plants were built in Amatol during World War I to mass-produce an extensive variety of military weapons and equipment, according to Press of Atlantic City

    But, after the war came to an end, so did the munitions plants. The buildings were destroyed - torn down and scrapped. With all that space (roughly 6,000 acres), the biggest racetrack on the East Coast was built…and it was made completely out of wood. Only one munitions plant building remains in Amatol

    Despite the race track only lasting a couple of years, the ruins of it - along with the old plants - can still be observed and explored to this very day! You can still see the oval outline of the old speedway via Google Earth (coordinates: 39°36’4.59”N, 74°44’37.10”W), a subtle glimpse of where the raceway once existed.  

    Can you see the outline?!

  • via Google Earth
    via Google Earth
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    Batsto

    With much less war-aesthetic and more 19th century architecture, Batsto Village is nationally recognized for its historical significance and beauty.

    Originally built to accommodate a once-booming iron industry, the roots of Batsto Village can be traced back to 1766. Two centuries of American history are available to visitors, with the Pinelands environment as a scenic backdrop.

    After the discovery of coal in Pennsylvania, the iron buzz declined significantly, leaving the village of Batsto struggling for sustainability. The residents left their homes in the dust, and to this day, Batsto Village is nearly a perfectly preserved historic landmark. More information can be found at BatstoVillage.org.

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