THE INDIANA STATE SANATORIUM
The Indiana State Sanatorium is nestled deep in the woods, just off raccoon creek and has a disturbing history that dates back over 100 years. The facility was originally opened in 1911 to combat tuberculosis, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most successful treatment facilities in the country. However, this success story was not entirely accurate as they attempted to only admit patients who were likely to recover. It acted as a self sufficient city on approximately 200 acres, during the first years of operation there was an 80% death rate for patients with tuberculosis and a list of 400 on the waitlist to get treatment at the facility. By 1936, southern Indiana was considered one of the worst pockets of tuberculosis in the country. With no cure for the deadly disease doctors were forced to experiment with various treatments. Patients endured operations such as removing ribs, pumping gas into bags inserted in their lungs, pushing organs into small spaces, and other painful procedures.
It wasn’t until the discovery of Streptomycin in the 1940s that the sanatorium began to see real progress. The miracle drug led to the facility’s closure in the 1960’s, leaving behind an eerie legacy. It was left vacant for years until being repurposed as a nursing home and mental health facility in the 1990s. However, many locals continue to tell tales of it’s dreadful and painful history. Today, the complex remains a stark reminder of the dark past and the stories that have tainted it, making the Indiana State Sanatorium a place that is sure to send shivers down your spine.
LINGERING SPIRITS OF INDIANA STATE SANATORIUM
The fifth floor of Psychiatric Hospital is were the more violent patients were kept, in an attempt to keep them separated to ensure the safety of other patients and staff. These patients were often kept under lock and key adding to their anger and aggression. Many have described this area as a disturbing place to visit. Reports of footsteps running up and down the corridors on each floor of the building is also commonly reported.
The Adams Hall Admission area is known to be one of the most haunted buildings on site. Patients who were admitted to this area suffering from tuberculosis were treated in a harsh and inhumane manner. Visitors have reported feeling uneasy while walking through the admission area, with some claiming to have seen ghostly apparitions lurking in the shadows. The energy within the admission area is described as dark and unsettling.
Perhaps the most haunting stories are those of spirits that still roam the halls to this day. There are reports of disembodied voices, shadow figures, and the feeling of icy cold spots. The sounds of coughing and wheezing can sometimes be heard, as if the spirits of past patients are still struggling to breathe. It’s no surprise that the Indiana State Sanatorium has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts who seek to uncover the truth behind these spine-chilling tales.
During 1990’s while acting as both a nursing home and a mental health facility known as, The Lee Alan Bryant Healthcare Center. The reputation of the facility truly began to crumble when a missing patient was found lifeless in a nearby creek. Patients were often subjected to such poor treatment in cramped and unsanitary conditions that it resulted in many attempting to escape. Sadly another patient’s body was found hanging from a tree after running away. During the state’s investigation into the care within the nursing home further revelations came to light including; countless cases of elder abuse, inappropriate staff-patient relationships and fatal neglect within the walls of the facility. Once the despicable details emerged and the community learned of these atrocities, lawsuits began to accumulate on mass.
The nursing home’s disturbing past has contributed to reports of unexplained noises, apparitions, and strange occurrences. The nurses station, situated in the center of the building with a view of all four wings of the home, is said to be one of the most active spots, with guests reporting success in using a range of paranormal investigation tools and equipment, and feeling the presence of a nurse or patient that still roams the halls.
The underground tunnels that connect all of the main buildings at the Indiana State Sanatorium, are also a must see if investigating and exploring this haunted location. Although it has weaker paranormal claims and stories than other areas of the site, it’s dark and winding tunnels are unsettling enough even for the most seasoned investigators and thrill seekers.
VISITING INDIANA STATE SANATORIUM
Visiting the Indiana State Sanatorium is an experience that will leave even the bravest souls trembling with fear. The dark history of this facility, from its days as a tuberculosis hospital to its later role as a nursing home and mental health facility, has left a mark that seems impossible to erase. The cruel stories have created a residual energy that lingers within the walls of the sanatorium and visitors have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling as if they are being watched. The creepy atmosphere is not for the faint of heart and for anyone who wishes to explore the Indiana State Sanatorium’s haunted halls there are day time tours or overnight stays available that are sure to leave you with more than a few goosebumps.
If you enjoyed reading about the Indiana State Sanatorium you might also be interested in reading about the hauntings of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium.
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