11 Abandoned Hospitals And Asylums Guaranteed To Give You Chills

6. The Tragic Legacy of Danvers State Hospital

Perched atop Hathorne Hill in Massachusetts, Danvers State Hospital was once a beacon of hope for those suffering from mental illness. Opened in 1878, the hospital was designed according to the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized humane treatment and therapeutic environments. However, as the years passed, Danvers became a symbol of the failures of the mental health care system. Overcrowding, understaffing, and reports of abuse marred its reputation, leading to its closure in 1992. The hospital's imposing Gothic architecture and tragic history have inspired numerous works of fiction, including the horror film "Session 9." Today, much of the original structure has been demolished, but its legacy endures. Danvers serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by mental health institutions and the need for continued reform and advocacy. Its story is one of ambition, failure, and the enduring impact of architectural and medical history.