America’s Haunted Hospitals Will Make You Shiver – Legends of America
By Anna Hicks
Tales of haunted houses, eerie hotels, and spooky schools across America are enough to send shivers down your spine. But it’s the stories of haunted hospitals and asylums that are truly terrifying. Steeped in histories of abuse, torture, death, and profound mental anguish, it’s no wonder that America’s haunted hospitals are said to be populated by the ghosts of the deceased, forever wandering the halls and corridors in search of a justice they may never find.
We’ve all seen the horror movies where unsuspecting teens stumble upon a dilapidated asylum, only to be preyed upon one by one by its spectral inhabitants. While these fictional tales are frightening, the reality behind America’s haunted hospitals is often far more disturbing. Join us as we delve into the chilling legends and real-life accounts that make these institutions some of the most haunted places in the nation. These scary stories are sure to make you want to sleep with the lights on.
Illinois: Alton Mental Health Hospital
Located in Illinois, Alton Mental Health Hospital stands out as the only facility on our list that remains operational today. Established in the early 1900s, this mental institution has gained notoriety for its documented mistreatment of patients who were unfortunate enough to find themselves within its walls. While the use of EKG machines and modern medical practices are now commonplace, the hospital’s early days were marked by brutal and inhumane treatments.
Patients were subjected to a range of torturous practices, from electroshock therapy to ice-cold water treatments administered under appalling conditions. While these methods were considered acceptable in mental asylums of the time, they inflicted untold suffering on the vulnerable individuals in the hospital’s care.
Even in its modern iteration, the Alton Mental Health Hospital is no stranger to paranormal phenomena. Numerous patients and staff members have reported ghostly sightings and eerie whisperings throughout the property. One particularly unsettling account involves a nurse who, while alone on her floor, heard a disembodied voice whisper, "Who’s that?" A short time later, another nurse experienced the same chilling phenomenon in the exact same location.
Although tours of the active hospital are not permitted, numerous photographs have surfaced that purportedly capture paranormal activity, including orbs and the image of a man with a tormented expression. These occurrences have led some to speculate that the spirits of former residents are desperately trying to make their presence known.
Massachusetts: Danvers State Lunatic Asylum
The state of Massachusetts, already renowned for its haunted history, is home to the infamous Danvers State Lunatic Asylum, often referred to as the "Witches Castle on the Hill." Built in 1878, the asylum occupies land that was once part of Salem Village, the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Initially, the Danvers State Lunatic Asylum was celebrated for its innovative treatments and compassionate care. However, as funding dwindled and patient numbers surged, the institution descended into a state of neglect and despair. Overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of resources led to a decline in patient care, and the asylum’s reputation plummeted.
Conditions deteriorated to the point where patients were left unattended for days, their bodies undiscovered until it was too late. The hospital was finally shuttered for good in 1992, but the spirits of those who perished within its walls are said to linger still.
After the asylum’s demolition, a residential apartment complex was built on the site. Residents and visitors alike have reported encountering ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained bumps in the night, and witnessing other otherworldly phenomena. These occurrences suggest that the spirits of the Danvers State Lunatic Asylum remain tethered to the land, unable to find peace or move on.
Pennsylvania: Pennhurst Asylum
Perhaps the most chilling and notorious of all the haunted hospitals on our list is Pennhurst Asylum, located in Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1908, the institution quickly became a breeding ground for abuse, torture, and even murder.
Stories abound of children and infants left unattended in cribs and beds for days on end, while other patients were chained to walls and subjected to unspeakable horrors. Spanning 120 acres and housing as many as 10,000 patients at a time, Pennhurst Asylum became synonymous with cruelty and neglect.
The hospital was finally forced to close its doors in 1986, following widespread reports of torture and inhumane treatment. Abandoned and left to decay, the asylum is said to be haunted by the cries of the patients who died or were murdered there. If the walls of this foreboding institution could speak, they would reveal a history of unimaginable suffering.
Numerous paranormal investigation teams have spent nights within the walls of Pennhurst Asylum, capturing chilling voices echoing through the empty corridors. Shouts of "I’ll kill you," "Go away!" and "Why won’t you leave?" are among the most frequently reported utterances.
But the disembodied voices are just the beginning. Visitors to Pennhurst Asylum have reported being violently pushed, experiencing electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), and even having objects hurled at them from across the room. Even the most seasoned ghost hunters may find themselves unnerved by the intense paranormal activity and palpable sense of malevolence that permeates this haunted hospital.
These are just a few of the haunted hospitals that dot the American landscape. From Illinois to Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, these institutions stand as grim reminders of a dark chapter in our history, when mental illness was misunderstood and those afflicted were often subjected to unspeakable cruelty. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply a fan of ghost stories, these haunted hospitals are sure to send shivers down your spine. But be warned: the spirits that linger within these walls may not be welcoming to visitors.
© Anna Hicks, October 2018, updated July 2021
About the Author: Anna Hicks is the blogger behind paidtwice.com. While she once wanted to be a teacher, she now gets her history fix by writing on the subject. She also enjoys writing about DIY, personal finance, and her terrible cooking skills.
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