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Connecticut Ghost Town Sells For $1.9 Million

JOHNSONVILLE, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A real life ghost town in Connecticut has been auctioned off for a scary seven figures.

CBS 2's Weijia Jiang profiled Johnsonville, Connecticut – population zero – last week. On Thursday, a buyer swept Johnsonville up for $1.9 million.

Johnsonville was once a vibrant and active town. But its private waterfall, 52 acres of land and 15-acre pond, along with more than a dozen buildings, have sat abandoned for many years.

Neptune Twine and Cord Mill was once the heart of the community half a century ago. However, a fire shut it down in 1972 and instead of reopening it, the eccentric owner changed direction.

"He cultivated it into his own village," broker Jim Kelly said.

The owner bought buildings all over New England and moved them to the village, including a vintage barn from Maine, tiny chapel from Waterford, meeting house and an 1858 general store -- opening it all up to the public.

He closed it all in 1994 after a fight with the neighboring town. Many came to like the town in its abandoned state.

There was no immediate word Thursday night on the owner's plans.

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