Lost Places in the USA

The USA is characterized by mobility like no other country on earth. In the 19th century, railroads and wagons were the predominant means of transportation. In the 20th century, however, the aircraft and particularly the automobile were responsible for a development that promised almost limitless growth.

But this process did not take place without a dark side: ghost towns and deserted areas were the result of economic crises and catastrophic weather phenomena, for example the so called "Dust Bowl" in the 1930s. New and faster superhighways which emerged in the 1950s on, made old routes forgotten and passed by once flourishing small towns.

Especially in these small towns and rural areas, everything stopped like it was left on the day of business closure: gas stations, diners, motels, residential buildings and always cars, too. Only nature and weather influences change, all shown in the picture of these "lost places". In almost lyrical and effecting photos, Heribert Niehues traces these places in which strange fascination mixes with fine melancholy of a bygone era and the unknown fates of the former inhabitants. America, as it is rarely seen.

• photos with thoughtfulness
• trend topic "Lost Places" with focus on American mobility
• not only for car enthusiasts