While exploring the abandoned Pioneer Cemetery in the woods of Tuscarora State Forest we discuss the inevitability of death and what happens after you die.
The “Pioneer Cemetery” as it came to be known is the burial ground for residents the ghost town of Pandemonium in Henry’s Valley. Historically, Henry’s Valley has been a geographically remote location in Pennsylvania’s striated ridge and valley region that curves across the south and central portion of the state. Pioneers first settled Henry’s Valley after the Revolutionary War, grazing livestock and harvesting timber.
The town of Pandemonium was established as the valley’s earliest settlement. Its name is literally “all spirits” taken to mean “the abode of demons”. It is the name of the capital of Hell in Milton’s “Paradise Lost”. A large and tannery was built in 1843, attracting more settlers and driving development of the area. The tannery peaked during the Civil War but closed in the early 1880s. It was superseded by a lumber boom in the 1890s due to the creation of local rail lines. However, after the timber was harvested, the town dwindled and was completely abandoned by 1912.
Today Henry’s Valley and the Pandemonium Pioneer Cemetery are within Tuscarora State Forest. A stone and split rail fence encompasses the well-maintained graveyard. There are several dozen marked graves; however, the majority of graves, including the earliest, are unmarked. The earliest marked grave is that of Solomon W. Henry (died 1855) and the last is that of Daniel D. Henry (died 1902).
The gravestones range from elaborately carved slabs to simple uncut mountain rocks.
The ages of the individuals interred here range from a few months in the case of Elsie J. Miller above to 90 years in the case of Julia Neidigh below.
Here’s the link to the Cumberland Valley Historical Society’s video where you can learn more of the history of Henry’s Valley and Pandemonium: Henry’s Valley, A Storied Place
Join us in the video below as we take a closer look at the graves while reflecting on death and what happens after you die.
The Pandemonium Pioneer Cemetery is located at 40.278683, -77.464598.
Your GPS may try to lead you on gated state forest roads, but the only reliable way to get there via Laurel Run Road.
You can visit these nearby adventures in Tuscarora State Forest:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
