The area was settled in the late 1800s when iron and limestone was found in region. Workers would have to travel long distances to get to the limestone mines and pleaded with the owners to provide housing closer to the site. The mine owners built the town under the condition that the workers never unionize, which the workers agreed to (hence the name “yellow dog” named after this type of contract). The village itself thrived for many decades, and it wasn't until recent years that the village fell into disrepair and outright abandon. This happened for a number of reasons including the closure of the mine, the wells becoming tainted, and the housing crisis in the early 2000's.