Washington is known for its stunning landscapes, but it’s also home to dark and eerie places. Among them is an abandoned prison-like hospital, once housing some of the state’s most notorious criminals and mentally ill patients. Now in ruins, the Northern State Hospital remains one of Washington’s most haunted locations, filled with echoes of its chilling past.
The Haunting History of Northern State Hospital
Built in 1912 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, Northern State Hospital was designed as a progressive mental health facility. Spanning over 700 acres, it housed up to 2,000 patients and even included a working farm, where patients grew their own food. The facility featured a library, theater, gymnasium, and even a cemetery.
However, as the years passed, the hospital became overcrowded and understaffed. Patients faced neglect, abuse, and cruel experiments. Many died from disease, malnutrition, or suicide, their graves left unmarked. By the 1970s, reports of inhumane treatment and medical misconduct led to scandals and legal battles, forcing the hospital to close in 1973.
What remains today are decaying buildings, eerie abandoned tunnels, and restless spirits said to still roam the property.
Exploring the Ruins of Northern State Hospital
The 225-acre property consists of over 40 buildings, some still standing while others have crumbled over time. Underground tunnels, once used to transport patients and supplies, add to the eerie atmosphere.
Here are some of the key structures that remain:
- The Administration Building – The grand center of the hospital, featuring a fireplace, stained glass windows, a chapel, and a reception room.
- The Ward Buildings – Living quarters for patients, including dormitories, common areas, restrooms, and isolation cells.
- The Medical Building – The site of electroshock therapy, lobotomies, sterilizations, and surgical procedures. It includes operating rooms, labs, and a morgue.
- The Farm Buildings – Once used to generate food and revenue, these structures include barns, silos, stables, orchards, and a slaughterhouse.
- The Cemetery – Holding 1,500 graves, many unmarked, as well as a crematorium for unidentified or unwanted patients.
The Future of Northern State Hospital
Today, Northern State Hospital stands as a haunted historical landmark, serving as a reminder of past mental health treatment failures. Some ghost hunters and paranormal investigators claim to have experienced supernatural encounters within its walls.
The site remains partially open for guided tours, giving visitors a chance to explore its dark past and chilling atmosphere. Those interested in preserving its history can learn more through the Northern State Ghost Town website.
Final Thoughts
Northern State Hospital is more than an abandoned institution—it’s a place of tragedy, mystery, and history. Whether you visit for the historical significance or the haunted legends, one thing is certain: this ghostly prison leaves a lasting impression on all who step inside.
For more eerie locations and haunted histories, check this out and uncover more forgotten places!
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This Abandoned Prison is One of the Creepiest Places in Washington
