Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Pennsylvania

Shawmut

A ghost town of unknown status in Elk County, Pennsylvania.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Shawmut doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. The Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad (reporting mark PSR), also known as the Shawmut Line, was a short line railroad company operating passenger and freight service on standard gauge track in central and southwestern Penns

Elk County holds 18 documented ghost towns, including Arroyo, Big Run, Blue Rock — Shawmut keeps them company on the map.

The story of Shawmut

Pennsylvania invented the American company town — coal patches and oil booms that burned bright and short.

The Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad (reporting mark PSR), also known as the Shawmut Line, was a short line railroad company operating passenger and freight service on standard gauge track in central and southwestern Pennsylvania. Since 2004, it has been operated as part of the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad, which is owned by Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Shawmut is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Shawmut is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Shawmut FAQs

Where is Shawmut located?
Shawmut is in Elk County, Pennsylvania. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Shawmut in?
Shawmut sits in Elk County, Pennsylvania. See our full guide to ghost towns in Elk County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Shawmut?
The Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad (reporting mark PSR), also known as the Shawmut Line, was a short line railroad company operating passenger and freight service on standard gauge track in central and southwestern Pennsylvania.
What remains at Shawmut today?
The on-the-ground condition of Shawmut is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Shawmut?
Here's the honest truth: access to Shawmut is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Elk County

See all 18 ghost towns in Elk County, Pennsylvania