In the 1970s and 1980s, Jim Bakker and his wife Tammy Faye Bakker were the faces of televangelism. They were known for their flamboyant personalities, over-the-top makeup, and their wildly successful Praise the Lord (PTL) Club. The PTL Club was a Christian broadcasting network that had millions of viewers across the United States.
The Bakkers used their success to establish a sprawling Christian theme park in Fort Mill, South Carolina called Heritage USA. The park was home to a waterpark, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. At its peak in the 1980s, Heritage USA was one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country.
However, in 1987, Jim Bakker’s empire came crashing down. He was accused of fraud and embezzlement related to his PTL Club fundraising efforts. The scandal rocked the nation and led to his resignation from PTL.
The fallout from Jim Bakker’s scandal had a devastating impact on Heritage USA. Without his leadership and charisma, attendance plummeted at the theme park and resort. Additionally, financial mismanagement had left Heritage USA deeply in debt.
In 1989, just two years after the scandal broke, Heritage USA filed for bankruptcy. The park was eventually sold off and redeveloped into various properties owned by different companies.
Today, all that remains of Heritage USA are a few scattered ruins. Visitors can still see parts of what was once a thriving Christian theme park including an abandoned waterpark slide and an empty hotel building.
Despite its tragic end, Heritage USA remains a fascinating piece of American religious history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and greed in religious organizations.
If you’re interested in learning more about this period of American history or visiting some of these abandoned sites yourself, there are many resources available online including documentaries and guided tours.