5.5: Indiana’s Hospital for the Insane

In 1848 the Indiana Hospital for the Insane, later known as Indiana Central State Hospital, opened its doors on the west side of Indianapolis.  The hospital treated patients who suffered from schizophrenia, dementia, depression, hysteria, alcoholism, and epilepsy.  However, over the years, stories began circulating about patient abuse, and the hospital was closed in 1994 due to concerns about patient care.  Since before the hospital's closing, stories about spirits, voices from beyond, and other paranormal occurrences were common on the grounds and in the old pathology building, which remains standing today. Join us as we discuss Indiana’s Hospital for the Insane. 

Sources:

Carr, Julie. “Indiana Central State Hospital – Haunted Houses.” Haunted Houses, https://hauntedhouses.com/indiana/indiana-central-state-hospital/. Accessed 21 July 2024. 

Erb, Jordan. “Indianapolis museum finds forgotten Central State Hospital graves.” IndyStar, 19 September 2020, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2020/09/19/museum-enumerates-central-states-unmarked-graves/5750569002/.  Accessed 21 July 2024.

Indiana Medical History Museum https://www.imhm.org/ 

Pemberton, Michelle. “Inside the Central State Hospital Power House - Indianapolis.” IndyStar, 24 February 2022, https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/news/2022/02/24/central-state-hospital-indiana-power-house/9269118002/.  Accessed 21 July 2024.  

Wikipedia contributors. "Kirkbride Plan." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 7 May. 2024. Web. 21 Jul. 2024.