Most people are familiar with Ohio’s ghost towns. These former communities have long been abandoned, although it’s possible to see remnants of what once was. Fewer people realize, however, that one of Ohio’s abandoned towns lies underwater. The town of Laceyville, established in the 1800s, now sits underwater at the site of Tappan Lake. Here’s more on the unique and fascinating history of this long-forgotten abandoned town in Ohio.
Also known as Tappan Reservoir, Tappan Lake is a 2,350-acre body of water located in Harrison County. It’s part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
Wikipedia
The lake is beautiful, and on a warm, clear day, there are few places more inviting for a picnic or leisurely boat ride. And yet, underneath the water lies the remnants of a long-forgotten town known as Laceyville.
Amanda Johns / Google
In the early and mid-nineteenth century, Laceyville was a small village comprised of a small school, general store, inn, church, and stagecoach stop.
Rochelle Hegedus / Google The community was originally named for Major John S. Lacey. A post office was first established in Laceyville in 1850 but was discontinued by 1907.
In the early 1930s, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District decided to dam the Little Stillwater Creek near Tappan. The residents of Laceyville were offered a small sum of money to relocate.
Joel Varga / Google According to some accounts, however, some weren’t able to move their belongings before the flooding began.
Throughout the Great Depression, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District provided hundreds of jobs in the creation of the 14 dams that are in the MWCD system today, one of which is Tappan Reservoir.
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District / Facebook Photographed above is the clearing crew for Seneca Dam in 1936.
So while Tappan Lake is beautiful, there is an undeniable sadness and intrigue about the lost community of Laceyville.
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District / Facebook
Did you know about Tappan Lake? What are your thoughts on this abandoned town in Ohio? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Wikipedia
Amanda Johns / Google
Rochelle Hegedus / Google
The community was originally named for Major John S. Lacey. A post office was first established in Laceyville in 1850 but was discontinued by 1907.
Joel Varga / Google
According to some accounts, however, some weren’t able to move their belongings before the flooding began.
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District / Facebook
Photographed above is the clearing crew for Seneca Dam in 1936.
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Address: Tappan Lake, Ohio, USA
