Scariest Places on Earth: Asylums

At one point, asylums were often overcrowded and poorly managed. They were not a place where one could come and get well. If you were even considered a deviant in any way, you'd be locked up. People were often tortured and had brutal experiments performed on them. It's not surprising that considering the suffering that went on behind these walls that the souls of the tormented still linger. Take a look inside some of the most haunted and tormented asylums in the world.

Danver's State Hospital

Known by those who live near as the haunted castle on the hill, this asylum has had a colorful history. For years, after it closed its doors in the early 1990's this place has been a place of interest. Of course, there was a time that if you so much as tried to creep around here, you'd more than likely find a cop than a spook. Locals consider it one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts. The hospital was created in the latter 1880's in order to contain what were considered “lunatics.” While it was supposed to be a place of pioneering medical research in the beginning, by the 1900's, that all changed. Any kind of derelict was housed here. Murderers, rapists, you name it, they came here. It wasn't uncommon for suicides, and mysterious deaths to take place. Practices such as lobotomies were performed. In fact, the first lobotomy was supposedly performed here. But if you take into account that in the 1880's, lobotomies could make an individual incompetent, brain damaged, or even kill them. Electroshock therapy and hydrotherapy were also common. With hydrotherapy, individuals would be soaked in either scalding hot or freezing cold water while while wrapped in sheets up to their necks. It wasn't uncommon for some patients to suffer from hypothermia. At one point, the asylum even housed victims of tuberculosis, and nearly 800 individuals died here. Before it had been converted into an apartment complex in 2007 (yes, you heard me right folks), people had heard screams, maniacal laughter, and faint cries for help. People could also see apparitions pass by through the windows, orbs, lights flickering and feel hands upon them. Strange mists floating about could also be seen, as well as calls for help when no one seemed to be around. Perhaps even more scary was the fact, that prior to the new apartments being built, if one could manage to find access to the grounds, you could see shadowy figures, feel blasts of cold air on you, and see a strange figure of a girl. If you tied to approach her, she would vanish before you reached her. It was enough to make even the strongest of hearts flee with fright.

Fairfield State Hospital

Located in Connecticut, it was a location for a popular hit series FEAR in the early 2000's. Although, it was renamed St. Agnes for the show. It opened in 1933 to help the insane remedy their illnesses. While the standards for alleviating such illnesses are definitely considered barbaric by today's standards, they were merely considered normal practice in those days. Like many institutions, overcrowding wasn't uncommon, and there was a time when there were 4,000 people held here. Lobotomies, electroshock therapy, drug therapy, hydrotherapy, and the severing of nerves in the brain were common practices. In 1941, attendants were even charged with the brutal beatings of 2 patients, 1 of whom died. Underground tunnels connect themselves between the patient buildings and main building. It was used for employees to walk during cold weather, but also to carry out the dead. Because of the abuse performed here, the dead still seem to walk about. Screaming, crying, and feelings of fear and pain can be felt. Some have also experienced panic and nausea.

Taunton State Hospital

Built in 1851, much mystery surrounds this institute. The grounds have been left to neglect, even though it still houses juveniles, and the ill. Many patients suffered through neglect and abuse, and many died here as well. Rumors over the years had circulated saying that the woods behind the hospital harbored an evil energy. One could here screaming and moaning emanating from the woods when walking by, but perhaps that was the scream of patients. Some on the inside have reported seeing an apparition in white that quickly disappears when you notice it.

Essex Mountain Sanatorium

Located in New Jersey, this sanatorium has had a history that ranges from caring for wayward and orphaned children in the beginning, caring for the mentally ill, to taking care of tuberculosis patients. It has seen fires and buildings being demolished throughout its history. It closed down in the late 1970's, and became abandoned. Since then, stories have circulated about the strange occurrences that take place here. While it is forbidden to trespass the old remaining buildings of the sanatorium, people have done it. In doing so, they have had the snot scared out of them. A voice screams at people to get out. People have reported seeing a small child peering down at them from a third story window, have seen apparitions walking through the hallways, and seeing unexplainable strange mists. Screams and moanings can be heard, and a wheelchair that moves on its own. I don't know if it still has any of these objects anymore, but once upon a time there were still hospital beds, medical equipment strewn about, and gurneys, as if the people here had just suddenly left the place. Often times when walking through the place, you can hear footsteps behind you, and you know you're the only other person there.