Iron Soup Estates Inc. — Attraction in Campbell

To start I went on the tour with a nice women who was working in Tims absence, so I unfortunately did not get to meet him but if I’m back in the area I’d come again.

The tour was a short bit of info and then you’re free to roam around into dozens of the open rooms and buildings. More than we could even get to in over an hour and a half. The tour is $20 (cash) per person and the money presumably goes towards the continued restoration which is truly a great cause. I called ahead and they just told me to give them another call when I arrived, so very flexible for different times. You do need to sign a liability waiver regarding personal safety (for obvious reasons once you enter the homes) so be careful when exploring and come prepared with closed toed shoes and long pants.

Many of the current residents have lived there their whole lives and many have familial ties to the history of the site, we also talked to the nice young maintenance guy who had lived there nearly his whole life and just moved back to the area. He gave us even more details about other people and stories, and even spoke of an entire underground city underneath the town connected to every house under the porch and the iron mill that was used as bomb shelters in one of the world wars. But it’s current state is supposedly partially flooded and completely inaccessible from every home due to it being sealed with cement. Rumors even have it this was to cover up experiments on the townspeople, with them being sealed in as well.

The town itself (to the best of my understanding) was created due to massive riots after a prolonged strike and shots fired at workers in 1916, the riots even destroyed large portions of the town. They are exceptionally sturdy in their architectural design with concrete and rebar ( I can’t speak to better specifics), and were famous for the time and were placed on the national historic register because of it.

Black Monday in 1977 was a day of infamy and truly holds some gruesome details as told by the residents. Thousands were laid off and many took their own and their families lives, sometimes even the home with them, and sometimes even more. Whether or not you believe in spirits or lingering presence, these buildings will give you a sense of disorientation and out of the ordinary feeling.

I truly can’t recommend this enough, it was quite a one of a kind experience to be able to walk through all the buildings after hearing the history. The staff/residents we spoke with were all extremely friendly. I really hope they have more luck securing continued funding in the future, and in the meantime taking a tour or donating makes a difference. An amazing place and I would really recommend stopping if you’re into history, abandoned buildings, significant architecture, or just a one of a kind experience.

Lastly be respectful to not only the residents that live there but also the structures you enter, it’s history and peoples lives you’re walking among.

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This place was a WONDERFUL hidden historical gem. Great for people who love history, abandon buildings, and architecture. Highly recommend touring! The tour was short (since Tim was out of town) but still such an amazing piece of history and the tour guide did amazing! There were so many stories from different residents. We called ahead and it was a super flexible time tour. We told them two hours prior we might be coming and called 5 minutes before arrival and they were still able to give us a tour with no problem! To get in wear long socks and closed toed shoes. Glass, debris, and many overgrown plants were in the abandoned buildings. Also you will have to sign a liability waver. Paranormal activity noticeable and present. I wish I brought my spirit box with me! Definitely will...

Some of houses aren't abandon. They are nice well kept and some have signs that say private property, keep out, . It's sad that people didn't keep all houses liveable there so many that's aren't liveable only few are. The abandon ones aren't safe to enter. Peeking through the missing doors or broken / missing windows is best. Because of all trash some have falling celling and floors. Just peeking in through...