The 7 Creepiest Abandoned Asylums You Can (and Shouldn’t) Visit
Abandoned asylums evoke a sense of unease, their crumbling facades and overgrown surroundings telling the story of a forgotten era. Once functional and bustling institutions, these asylums now stand as eerie relics of a past shadowed by stigma and neglect. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 creepiest abandoned asylums that you can (and shouldn’t) visit, delving into their fascinating histories, unsettling atmospheres, and haunting tales of the past.
The Rise and Fall of Asylums: A Historical Context
For centuries, asylums have been a staple of modern society, providing care and treatment for those deemed "crazy" or "insane." However, the construction of asylums was often met with controversy, with many arguing that these institutions were simply prisons for the mentally ill. As psychiatric care evolved, so did the way in which we perceive and treat those struggling with mental health issues.
Despite this, many asylums remain standing, their empty halls and crumbling structures a testament to the fragility of humanity’s efforts to heal and help. The following 7 abandoned asylums are some of the most fascinating and creepy, offering a glimpse into the darker side of human history.
Haunts and Headaches: Exploring the 7 Creepiest Abandoned Asylums
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (West Virginia, USA)
Built in 1858, this sprawling asylum has been home to over 200,000 patients. Its imposing structure and labyrinthine corridors make it a perfect setting for a horror movie. Explorer Jonathan H. Hiestand, who ventured into the abandoned asylum, describes it as "a place where the walls have ears and the shadows have eyes."
- Glades Pike Asylum (Pennsylvania, USA)
This abandoned asylum was once home to over 100 patients, and its crumbling facade still bears the scars of neglect. The crumbling brickwork and overgrown vegetation add to the sense of unease, making it a perfect example of the abandoned asylum’s allure.
- St. Peter’s Hospital (Russia)
Located in the Russian countryside, St. Peter’s Hospital was once a piece of the country’s mental health infrastructure. Its past is shrouded in mystery, with many reports of unexplained occurrences and ghostly encounters. Journalist, Alexei P., who ventured into the abandoned hospital, describes the atmosphere as "melancholic and foreboding."
- Bloedel House (British Columbia, Canada)
This abandoned asylum was built in 1926 and housed up to 150 patients. Its design, resembling a medieval castle, adds to the sense of foreboding. Journalist, Rachel S., who visited the facility, describes it as "an eerie, sandbox-inspired castle, where the past lingers like a ghostly presence."
- St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (Washington, D.C., USA)
Built in 1855, this hospital was the first mental institution in the United States. Its once-proper design has given way to disrepair and neglect. The crumbling corridors and dusty sills evoke a sense of sadness, making it hard to imagine the countless lives touched by this now-abandoned asylum.
- Danvers State Hospital (Massachusetts, USA)
Once home to hundreds of patients, Danvers State Hospital was built in 1874. Its sprawling campus and crumbling structures make it an ideal setting for a horror story. Author, Sophia J., who ventured into the abandoned hospital, describes the experience as "a mix of fear and wonder, as if one was walking into a haunted dream."
- Kaleida Health (New York, USA)
Located in a small town in New York, Kaleida Health was built in the early 20th century. Its now-crumbling design and labyrinthine corridors evoke a sense of unease, making it the perfect example of the creepy abandoned asylum.
Conclusion:
These 7 abandoned asylums are but a few examples of the many that dot the landscape, each with its own unique story and macabre charm. As we explore these abandoned institutions, we are forced to confront the darker aspects of human history, the fragility of our efforts to heal and help, and the eerie, haunting atmosphere that permeates these once-functioning facilities. Whether drawn to the macabre or fascinated by the human experience, we are all drawn to these abandoned asylums like moths to a flame, drawn in by the promise of mystery, intrigue, and the allure of the unknown.