THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Central State Hospital is one of Virginia's oldest psychiatric institutions and has long been associated with ghost stories. Witnesses have reported shadow figures, unexplained screams, phantom footsteps, and apparitions believed to be former patients. The hospital's long history has made it a notable paranormal location.
Central State Hospital, previously Central Lunatic Asylum, was the first institution in the country for African Americans of “unsound mind.” In the 1840s, if slave owners could pay the fees they could have their slaves committed. Some of the old grounds still operates as a hospital; other buildings have been abandoned. Locals say they have seen and heard many odd phenomena in the area.