Haunted Central State Hospital

Central State Hospital in the surrounding suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana first opened its door in 1848 as “Indiana Hospital for the Insane”, becoming the state’s initial public psychiatric ward. Dorothea Dix and other local doctors had aimed to give those either in more slum-like facilities or incarcerated a better chance at rehabilitation and recovery. It took more than 2 decades before legislation approved such a place. They wanted to give the patients a reason for hope, so they called it a hospital, instead of asylum or other more negative names. The 160-acre plot of land was previously part of a local family farm that cost roughly $4,000 to purchase just a few miles outside of downtown. As with other similar facilities, the hospital experienced multiple name changes and periods of severe hardship and overcrowding. Ultimately, governors shut it down for good in 1994 after allegations of neglect and hostile abuse. Technically, some of the buildings still stand today, but other developing plans are underway to build up the area for residential and commercial use. However, still alive is the edifice that now houses Indiana Medical History Museum. As with most locations that went through dark and tragic times, the grounds are still considered to be haunted. The parking lot currently sits over where former patients went after death, as well as underground tunnels and body chutes that those above-ground don’t even realize are there. Personally, I have been there and felt the presence of a young female spirit near the parking area. I didn’t get to explore the interior, but there are official videos that document such. EVPs are often heard, as well as shadow figures and apparitions seen. The grounds do have a bit of a creepy vibe, and you always feel like you’re being watched, not just because it’s adjacent to other people’s houses. While technically out in the open, the lot is actually monitored. This may be just a quick stop-off, but it’s definitely worth investigating while still around. Also, there is a public museum in one of the old buildings.