11 Abandoned Hospitals And Asylums Guaranteed To Give You Chills

7. The Ghostly Remains of the Athens Lunatic Asylum

The Athens Lunatic Asylum in Ohio, now known as The Ridges, opened in 1874 as a state-of-the-art facility for the mentally ill. The asylum was designed to provide compassionate care and treatment, but over time, it became notorious for its overcrowding and controversial practices, including lobotomies and electroshock therapy. The asylum's cemetery, with its unmarked graves, stands as a somber reminder of the lives lost within its walls. Today, The Ridges is part of Ohio University, with some of its buildings repurposed for academic use. However, the asylum's ghostly past continues to captivate those interested in the paranormal. Reports of unexplained phenomena and ghostly apparitions have made The Ridges a popular destination for ghost hunters and historians alike. The story of the Athens Lunatic Asylum is one of transformation, from a place of hope to a site of mystery and intrigue, highlighting the complexities of mental health care and the enduring impact of its history.