This Abandoned Paper Mill in Utah Is Hauntingly Gorgeous

There are abandoned homes and buildings all over the United States that give us clues to the history of the respective areas where they’re located. These places immediately lead to many questions, including “What happened to the people that used to live or work here?,” “What led them to leave?,” “Who were they?,” and others that drive people to learn about these abandoned places.

Today, we will be taking a closer look at one of these abandoned places in the state of Utah. Despite sitting alone for many years, the mysterious structure still stands on the side of a mountain.

The Cottonwood Paper Mill was originally built in 1883 by The Desert News. The paper mill used Utah lumber and old clothing in order to create pulp to assist with making paper. In its prime, the Cottonwood Paper Mill would produce up to about five tons of paper each and every day.

In 1892, the mill was sold to new owners, who renamed it the Granite Paper Mill. Just a year later, a fire started at the mill. Sadly, the fire took place on April 1st of that year, so when the alarm began to sound, many workers at the mill ignored it thinking it was an April Fool’s Day joke. Unfortunately by the time they realized there was a real fire, it had become too large to contain.

After the fire ravaged the mill, it was no longer of use. As a result, the mill sat vacant and abandoned for many years. It was renovated in 1927 and was briefly opened as a dance club. Later on, in the 1980s, it functioned as a haunted house and boutique. Other than that, it has been abandoned. As of 2005, it’s been condemned by the city and can’t legally be accessed by the public.

While there haven’t been any paranormal sightings or activities reported, it does arguably produce a “haunted vibe,” possibly due to its tumultuous history. Whatever the reason, this location is eerily beautiful. No one can argue that this location is a piece of Utah history and as far as we know, there is no plan to tear it down or demolish it.