Missouri’s abandoned hospitals hold a rich and diverse history, with most having been built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were built to serve the growing population of the state, and most of them were state-of-the-art for their era. With improvements in medical technology and practice, however, most of these hospitals became obsolete and later abandoned. Others shut down due to financial reasons or changes in healthcare policy.
Notable Abandoned Hospitals in Missouri
St. Louis State Hospital
One of the most well-known abandoned hospitals in Missouri is St. Louis State Hospital, which was originally built back in 1869. The hospital started out as a hospital for mentally ill patients, but with time, it became overcrowded and understaffed, and living conditions for patients became poor. The hospital shut down its operations back in 1997, and ever since, it has been a haunt for urban explorers and a place where ghost seekers love to visit.
Excelsior Springs Hospital
Another well-known abandoned hospital in Missouri is Excelsior Springs Hospital, which was built back in 1905. The hospital had been a successful medical facility, but due to financial problems, it shut down back in 1980. Today, the building stands empty and crumbling, a reminder of its former glory.
Haunted Hospitals in Missouri: The Ghostly Tales
These abandoned hospitals are not only remnants of history but also at the center of numerous spooky tales and urban myths. It is a common perception that these hospitals are haunted by ghosts of former patients and hospital workers, and there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity at these locations. Some urban explorers have claimed to have heard strange noises, seen unexplained shadows, and even felt a sense of unease when they have visited these abandoned hospitals.
The White Lady of St. Louis State Hospital
One of the most famous ghost stories surrounding abandoned hospitals in Missouri is that of St. Louis State Hospital’s White Lady. The White Lady, as told in local legend, is a spirit of a patient who mysteriously passed away at the hospital. Her spirit roams the empty hallways, searching for closure.
The Crying Child of Excelsior Springs Hospital
Another chilling legend is that of the Crying Child at Excelsior Springs Hospital. Visitors have attested to having heard a crying child down empty hallways, with there being absolutely no sign of children anywhere. These hauntings have only helped fuel the popularity of these abandoned hospitals, with thrill-seekers and paranormal investigators from all over coming to visit.
Exploring Urban Legends Surrounding Abandoned Hospitals in Missouri
Missouri’s abandoned hospitals do have a rich history and mystique, and much of that has been added through urban legends. These legends have been fueled by actual tragedies and mysteries surrounding these hospitals, and have been passed down through generations as part of local lore. Most urban legends include spirits of former patients and staff remaining inside the walls of these abandoned hospitals, looking for closure for past transgressions, or revenge for past wrongs.
The Shadow People of St. Louis State Hospital
One urban legend is that of St. Louis State Hospital’s “Shadow People.” It is asserted that a ghostly figure dressed as a nurse walks through empty hallways, as if caring for patients who are no longer there. These urban legends have added further mystique to these abandoned hospitals, drawing curious visitors interested in experiencing the paranormal activity for themselves.
Preservation Initiatives for Abandoned Hospitals in Missouri
While their haunting beauty, many abandoned hospitals across Missouri are on the verge of being forgotten and lost. However, there are also initiatives on hand for preserving these historic buildings and their histories for future generations. Preservationists and historians are busy documenting the histories of these hospitals and raising awareness for their significance. Many individuals are also fighting for adaptive reuse for these buildings, suggesting that they may be reused for residential, community center, or other public uses.
Successful Preservation Examples
A successful preservation example is that of St. Louis’ historic Lemp Mansion, which was once a grand family home but served briefly as a hospital. It has been restored and repurposed as a successful bed and breakfast, where visitors can enjoy its history as well as a source of revenue for its upkeep. Another is the restoration, currently in progress, of Excelsior Springs Hospital, which has been aided through local preservation societies as well as government agencies. These projects not only save their architecture but also keep their histories alive for generations.
The Spine-Tingling Stories of Missouri’s Abandoned Medical Buildings
Missouri’s abandoned hospitals have a long, complex history that goes back as far as the 19th century. The state boasts a high concentration of hospitals that once prospered as medical centers, but have now been abandoned and left to decay. The majority of these hospitals were constructed as a response to Missouri’s growing population, providing essential medical services to society.
St. Mary’s Infirmary
One such hospital with a rich history is St. Mary’s Infirmary at St. Louis, which was established in 1872 by the Sisters of St. Mary. The hospital treated the sick and injured for more than a century before closing down operations in 1986. The building has been abandoned ever since, with its dark past still lingering within.
Nevada State Hospital
Similarly, the Nevada State Hospital, which started operations in 1887, functioned as a mental hospital for more than a century before closing down operations in 1991. These abandoned hospitals bear witness to the development of healthcare in Missouri and how it has influenced architectural history in the state.
The Haunting Legends of Ghostly Hospitals in Missouri
Missouri’s abandoned hospitals not only remain as a testament to history, but also carry with them spooky tales that have captured the imagination of urban explorers and ghost hunters alike. Most hospitals are thought to have spirits of former employees and patients, lending their abandoned state a mystical and spooky feel.
Joplin Mercy Hospital
One such hospital with a chilling reputation is the Joplin Mercy Hospital, which shut down operations back in 2009 after a tornado destroyed its building. The hospital is thought to have ghosts of patients who perished during the storm, with individuals claiming sightings of apparitions and strange noises within its dilapidated walls.
Higginsville State Hospital
Another well-known abandoned hospital with a dark past is Higginsville State Hospital, a former psychiatric hospital that operated from 1897 through 1987. The hospital reportedly has spirits roaming, those of former patients who suffered through the deplorable conditions at the hospital. Urban explorers have also reportedly seen disembodied whispers and dark figures roaming empty hallways, adding further eeriness to the deteriorating hospital.
Urban Exploration and Abandoned Hospitals
These brave explorers venture into the deteriorating buildings, documenting their history and snapping pictures of the spooky beauty of their decaying interiors. Urban explorers are drawn to the unique architecture and historic significance of these abandoned hospitals, as well as the thrill of uncovering long-forgotten remnants from a bygone era.
Similarly, the Nevada State Hospital has also turned into a favorite among urban explorers, who are drawn to its ominous architecture and mysterious past. These explorers risk legal punishment and safety hazards for photographing these abandoned hospitals, but for many, the thrill of uncovering their secret history is well worth the risk.
Legal and Safety Issues with Abandoned Hospitals in Missouri
Exploring and documenting abandoned hospitals in Missouri is beset by legal and safety concerns that must be approached with extreme caution. These buildings are primarily privately owned, and they stand on private property, so entering them illegally is a criminal act with trespass charges.
The Effects of Abandoned Hospitals on Missouri Local Communities
Legends and histories about these hospitals are a part of local folklore, and they have a tendency to bring tourists and visitors interested in experiencing their eerie ambiance. Moreover, redevelopment or restoration of such abandoned hospitals can also have economic benefits for communities.
Moreover, there are also legal concerns over ownership and maintenance of abandoned hospitals. Building ordinances and codes are what property owners have to comply with for their properties, and if not, there are legal consequences. At times, local authorities will intervene and rectify neglected properties through legal means, such as fines and property liens.
The Future of Abandoned Hospitals in Missouri: Renovation or Destruction
Repurposing them as residential, business, or community spaces will allow them to continue stimulating local economies as well as act as a reminder of what they used to be. Renovation, however, is costly and time-consuming, with much investment into restoration.
there are those working on preserving these historic buildings and their histories for future generations. Preservationists and historians are working around the clock researching and documenting the histories of these hospitals and raising awareness for their value. Most are campaigning for adaptive reuse for these buildings, suggesting that they could be reused for residential, community center, or other public uses.
Lemp Mansion Restoration
One example of successful preservation is that of St. Louis’ Lemp Mansion, a one-time grand family home that also served briefly as a hospital. It has now been restored and is a thriving bed and breakfast, where one can live a part of its history as well as generate a source of income for its upkeep.
Excelsior Springs Hospital Restoration
Another is restoration efforts currently underway for Excelsior Springs Hospital, which have received community preservation group and governmental agency assistance. Such preservation not only maintains these buildings’ architecture but also keeps their histories alive for future generations.
The Effects of Abandoned Hospitals on Missouri Local Communities
Having abandoned hospitals nearby can have a lasting impact on communities throughout Missouri.
