New Jersey's most notorious ghost town isn't really much of a town at all anymore. Even at its peak, there were probably only several structures. While some say you can still see ruins in the woods, we can't say for certain - we've never been. While we love visiting ghost towns in New Jersey like Batsto Village, Waterloo Village, and Raritan Landing, all preserved and open for the public to enjoy, this abandoned town is unlike anything you've ever experienced. If you're feeling brave, pay a visit to Ong's Hat, the creepiest abandoned town in New Jersey.
Ong's Hat is an unincorporated community in Pemberton Township.
Located in the Pine Barrens, there are several stories about how this town got its name. Some say a man named Jacob Ong threw his hat into the air out of frustration, at which point it became stuck in a tree. More likely, the town was originally named Ong's Hut after a way station/rest area along a grain transportation route.The area can be seen on maps dating back centuries; pictured is a map from 1778. Legend says that the town had just a handful of houses, along with a thriving dance hall. However, industry left the area and Ong's Hut/Ong's Hat slowly became the creepiest abandoned town in New Jersey.
The last resident left the town in 1936, but not before some strange disappearances.
A Polish immigrant, John Chininiski, and his wife lived in the area. She disappeared without a trace, and shortly after he went missing as well. Years later, a single skeleton was found in the woods nearby.
But the story gets even stranger...
According to an urban legend (and a handful of conspiracy theorists), Ong's Hat contains a portal to another dimension. Disgraced Princeton professors, mocked for their quantum physics theories, fled to the area in the 1970s. They are said to have discovered the secret of inter-dimensional travel.This legend first sprung up in the 1980s, circulating around online bulletin boards. It was actually one of the earliest online conspiracy theories and eventually inspired a book.
And stranger...
The book, titled "Ong's Hat: The Beginning," claims that the area had cult ties and was the site of a bloody standoff between the U.S. government and cult members responsible for creating the portal. Those who survived the raid now live in an alternate dimension. While I may not be a believer, this story is certainly interesting. Buy the book online to learn more and keep an open mind about this creepy ghost town in New Jersey.
Get an in-depth look at the story of Ong’s Hat:
After all, if any state had an inter-dimensional portal, it would be New Jersey. Simply because our state is out of this world! Bad puns aside, this is certainly one of the creepiest abandoned towns in New Jersey. Have you experienced any paranormal activity in this state? Have you ever been to Ong's Hat NJ? Share your favorite legends and conspiracy theories in the comments.
For more strange spots in New Jersey, take a drive to this haunted forest in the Pine Barrens.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
