:: BerDerp™ ::

Capturing these images you see was a very moving and emotional experience for me, as this abandoned mental facility had originally opened in 1842 after a state bill was passed calling for a “State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum“.  By the 1870’s, overcrowding at this institution was a major issue, as local communities sent patients there who were often considered unwanted, or problematic, regardless of their diagnoses. One can easily surmise a lot of suffering occurred here.

..the overcrowding trend continued for another 75+ years as it often vied for the title of “largest psychiatric facility” in the world.

there are an estimated 20,000 – 30,000 unmarked graves here which were only identified by numbered poles — many of which have disappeared.

By the early 1970’s this facility was mostly abandoned. Many people believe these buildings and grounds to be haunted to this day.

You can view the entire Flickr set here.