It has ever been the case that assets escheat to the state if there is no will and no heirs (after a time period). Real property can also default to the state or county if property taxes go unpaid after a certain point.
Just ask Rand Paul.
It’s one county. Not the entirety of the country. Not to mention, All Governments do this. I am hardly a fan of Charles but it is silly to blame him for something that is centuries old and incredibly limited in scope.