You Can Now Buy This Abandoned Ghost Town in Connecticut for Under $2 Million

The entire town of Johnsonville—a once-thriving mill community in the 1800s—is now up for sale for a mere $1.9 million. Located in East Haddam, Connecticut, the ghostly town has been abandoned since the late ‘90s, after its former owner, an aerospace manufacturer and millionaire, Raymond Schmitt, passed away.

The purchase includes the original four-bedroom Emory Johnson homestead, which boasts original Victorian-era features, a bank, a pond, bridge, a horse stable, a waterfall, and 62 acres of land.

Back in 1965, Schmitt purchased the property with the hopes of transforming it into a Victorian-era tourist attraction. The “controversial” millionaire went around collecting 19th century buildings from surrounding areas and had them transported to Johnsonville. He purchased a 19th century livery stable, a chapel, a general store, and even a schoolhouse to complete the nostalgic look. But after a dispute with zoning officials, the Victorian attraction was shut down and subsequently the property went on the market shortly thereafter. Schmitt died only four years later.

The nearly derelict town was later purchased by Meyer Jabara Hotels in the early 2000s. But it has seen its share of fame since its abandonment: it was featured in National Geographic’s TV series Abandoned, Billy Joel’s 1993 music video “River of Dreams,” and of course, horror flicks. But honestly, creepy or not, where else can you get all this secluded, waterfront property in the northeast for under $2 million?

But maybe the old mill town isn’t all bad vibes and ghostly remnants. Maybe the next owner will renovate and restore each building to its original splendor, and the little Johnsonville will see a new beginning.
Want to see more photos of The Johnsonville Town in Connecticut? Scroll below to view images of the entire property, courtesy of listing agent Sherri Milkie.