New Hampshire’s reputation as a vacation destination and outdoor mecca are widely known. And, for good reason. Life here is pretty bucolic. We’ve got huge mountains, stately trees and wonderful people. But, as with all states we’ve got some history. This history isn’t always good. This hospital is one example of a history that might not be one of our proudest.
The early 1800s saw very little understanding of proper treatment for people with mental illness.
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Rather than proper care by psychological professionals, patients were often sent to places with very poor care.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
The New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane was built in 1842. Patients living inside were faced with dismal conditions, and too often one day blended into the next.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
The conditions were questionable.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
And while these photos reflect the now abandoned parts of the facility, it’s easy to wonder what things were like before conditions improved.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
Dimly lit corridors and decaying walls made things difficult.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
The hospital changed its name to New Hampshire State Hospital in 1901. It’s said that much of the treatment in the early days were experimental, leading to stories of people who were never cured or even helped.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
Today, much of the old hospital is abandoned and the rest of the buildings have been converted to state offices.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
Some say the halls are haunted - with the sounds and patients past drifting through the air.
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
For more photos and information on the hospital, take a look at this video:
Kelly Roberts / YouTube
For more creepy history, check out this hotel. It’s one of New Hampshire’s grandest, but it’s also one of the most haunted!
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