Perched on the banks of the mighty Ohio River in West Virginia is a relic of days gone by – one of the last remaining ruins of the old lock-and-dam system that used to run from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Designed to keep the level of the Ohio River from seasonal fluctuation so that ships could sail these waters year-round, the lock-and-dam system was replaced by concrete dams. Now, this massive complex is one of the most impressive, eerie abandoned ruins in West Virginia.
Lock Number 19 in Washington, West Virginia has outlived its usefulness.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Decades ago, the old system of locks and dams used on the Ohio River was abandoned.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Now this structure sits alone and in ruins near Washington, West Virginia’s public boat ramp.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Broken windows stare like empty eye sockets out at the surrounding landscape.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
A turret built to house a giant water tank towers over the trees.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Graffiti covers every reachable surface inside these abandoned, ruined brick walls.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
The entry level of this structure was used as living quarters for the caretaker of the lock-and-dam; the upper floors were used to house equipment.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Most of the piping and machinery is gone now, but two huge metal water tanks are still left, testaments to a bygone era.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
This is a building that has definitely seen better days; the view out many of these old windows, however, still can’t be beat.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Since Lock No. 19 sits on public land, anyone is able to come carefully explore this historic relic.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
Youtube user Appalachian Exploration toured the entire Lock 19 complex, plus the surrounding acreage, a few years back.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube The footage this user posted documenting the experience is a fantastic way to experience these abandoned West Virginia ruins for yourself, even if you can make a trip to Washington, West Virginia anytime soon.
Have you explored West Virginia’s Lock 19, perched as it is on the banks of the Ohio River in silent, eerie sentinel? For more footage of abandoned ruins in West Virginia, try this article.
Exploration Appalachian / Youtube
The footage this user posted documenting the experience is a fantastic way to experience these abandoned West Virginia ruins for yourself, even if you can make a trip to Washington, West Virginia anytime soon.
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