abandoned state hospital Archives - Abandoned Urban Exploring & Urbex Photography https://riddimryder.com/tag/abandoned-state-hospital/ RiddimRyder Explores & Photographs Abandoned & Forgotten Places Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:10:53 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/riddimryder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-websitethumb.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 abandoned state hospital Archives - Abandoned Urban Exploring & Urbex Photography https://riddimryder.com/tag/abandoned-state-hospital/ 32 32 157258030 Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/ https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/#comments Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=25500 In September of 2024, Zenning with Zay & I visited The Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital!  I had previously explored this…

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In September of 2024, Zenning with Zay & I visited The Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital!  I had previously explored this place during a sneaky sleepover but this time it was legal! It was awesome to wander the renovated areas, but I still preferred the abandoned areas!





In 1865, a bill was introduced by Senator Asher P. Nichols to establish additional mental health asylums in New York State, with one dedicated to serving the western region. This proposal was approved, and various towns in Western New York competed to host the facility. Buffalo was selected over locations such as Lockport, Batavia, and Warsaw, thanks to its promise of 100 years of free drinking water and its ideal rural setting near downtown, which suited the Kirkbride Plan for mental health treatment.





Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1870, the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane featured large Medina red sandstone and brick buildings, while the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Construction began in 1871, and by November 15, 1880, the asylum admitted its first patients, though only the eastern wards were complete. The western wards were finished in 1895.





Following Richardson's death in 1886, architects Green and Wicks, along with William W. Carlin, completed the project, maintaining Richardson's architectural style. In 1890, the facility's name was changed to the Buffalo State Hospital, reflecting New York's new legislation making mental health treatment a state responsibility. Overcrowding soon became a problem, as the original design intended for around 600 patients was exceeded.





The hospital's decline began in the early 20th century. The iconic towers were re-covered in copper in 1918, and much of the land was sold to Buffalo State University in 1927. By the 1960s, several wards were demolished to make room for modern facilities. The last patients were moved out in 1974, and the property was left to deteriorate. Efforts to preserve the historic site began in 2006, when the Richardson Center Corporation took control and stabilized the structure.

We had hoped to stay in the renovated part of the Abandoned Buffalo State Hospital but sadly, we could not.  There was however a wedding taking place there.  Pretty cool, but not as cool as getting married in an Abandoned Prison!

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]]> https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-buffalo-state-hospital/feed/ 2 25500 New York State Insane Asylum https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/ https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/#comments Wed, 01 May 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=24793 This New York State Insane Asylum was a pretty interesting place to explore! Zenning with Zay & I had no…

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This New York State Insane Asylum was a pretty interesting place to explore! Zenning with Zay & I had no intell on this place so we decided to see how we would make out being obvious & wandering the grounds. It didn't take long for a worker to approach us. Fortunately he a cool with us as long as we stayed away from the buildings as most of the were condemned! There were no ways in at all & it was clear they were keeping a VERY close eye on the place!




Constructed in the late 19th century, this imposing structure was once a beacon of hope for the mentally ill. Over the years, the hospital, also known as the New York Insane Asylum, became a symbol of progress in psychiatric care.

This State Hospital was designed by Isaac Perry, an architect renowned for his work in Gothic Revival style. The building's grandeur and meticulous detail were intended to create a therapeutic environment. Patients at the New York Insane Asylum received treatment and care in this tranquil setting.

As decades passed, the New York State Insane Asylum faced challenges. Increased patient numbers strained resources. The hospital underwent expansions to accommodate the growing demand for mental health services.

By the mid-20th century, there was a notable shift in societal attitudes towards mental health. Consequently, institutions like the Binghamton State Hospital experienced a decline. Alternative treatment methods gained popularity, leading to a dwindling number of patients.

Today, the New York State Insane Asylum stands abandoned, serving as a relic from an earlier era in mental health care. Its sprawling grounds have become a canvas for urban explorers and historians alike, echoing with the whispers of its past inhabitants.

Visitors are immediately struck by the haunting beauty of its architecture. Nature has begun to reclaim the once-imposing structure, adding a layer of eerie charm to this forgotten place.

The legacy of the New York Insane Asylum serves as a reminder of the evolution of mental health treatment. Exploring its halls offers a glimpse into a complex and often misunderstood chapter of history.

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]]> https://riddimryder.com/new-york-state-insane-asylum/feed/ 2 24793 Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/ https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/#comments Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=23775 In the Autumn of 2023, Zenning with Zay & I took road trip with the Frist destination was Willard Asylum…

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In the Autumn of 2023, Zenning with Zay & I took road trip with the Frist destination was Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane!

Nestled deep within the picturesque upstate New York lies a place that holds a history shrouded in darkness and mystery. The abandoned Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane stands as a haunting reminder of the mental health practices of a bygone era. In this blog post, we will delve into the chilling history and eerie atmosphere of this asylum.



A Place of Hope Turned Nightmare

The Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane was established in 1869 as a beacon of hope for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. At the time, it was considered a progressive institution.  Offering humane treatment and therapy for the patients who sought solace within its walls. However, as the decades passed, it would go on to become the subject of disturbing tales of neglect and mistreatment.

The overcrowding of the facility and lack of funding led to deplorable conditions and questionable practices.  Including but not limited to the widespread use of lobotomies and electroshock therapy. The initial vision of compassionate care had crumbled, leaving a legacy of suffering in its wake.



A Dark Legacy Uncovered

In 1995, after decades of abandonment, the abandoned Willard Asylum became the focus of renewed interest when a remarkable discovery was made. Over 400 suitcases belonging to former patients were found hidden away in an attic. These suitcases contained a trove of personal belongings, letters, and artifacts.  This offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who had been confined within the institution.

These artifacts shed light on the stories of countless individuals who had once been hopeful residents.  But ultimately found themselves trapped in a nightmarish existence. The suitcases have since been meticulously cataloged and have even inspired an exhibit at the New York State Museum, giving voice to the forgotten and silenced.



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Exploring the Abandoned Asylum Today

Today, the Willard Asylum stands as a crumbling monument to a bygone era. Access to the site is restricted due to safety concerns. The overgrown courtyards and fading murals serve as a haunting backdrop to the asylum's grim past.  Virtually every other building on the sprawling complex was recently sealed up.

The asylum's history and its present state of disrepair have sparked countless rumors of paranormal activity. Some claim to have heard ghostly whispers in the darkened hallways.  Others report inexplicable cold spots and unsettling apparitions. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, there is no denying the palpable sense of history that lingers within these crumbling walls.



Preserving the Past

Efforts are underway to preserve the history and memory of the Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane. Organizations and individuals have advocated for the site's protection and restoration, recognizing the importance of remembering the past to prevent its repetition.

In conclusion, the abandoned Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities of mental health care throughout history. Its history, from a place of hope to one of despair, is a stark testament to the need for compassionate and ethical treatment of individuals facing mental illness. The asylum's legacy may be one of darkness, but it also stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who seek to remember and honor the lives of those who suffered within its walls.



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]]> https://riddimryder.com/willard-asylum-for-the-chronic-insane/feed/ 3 23775 Abandoned State Hospital https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-state-hospital/ https://riddimryder.com/abandoned-state-hospital/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000 https://riddimryder.com/?p=10336 For as long as I can remember I wanted to explore this Abandoned State Hospital. This Abandoned State Hospital was…

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For as long as I can remember I wanted to explore this Abandoned State Hospital.





This Abandoned State Hospital was built in 1870 using the Kirkbride plan. The plan was designed with the administration building at the centre of the bat-shaped building. Men's & womens ward were on either side in a batwing shape. This design was the brain child of Dr. Thomas Kirkbride who believed sunshine & air circulation were crucial to the healing process ofr the mentally ill.





My trip began with a stop at an old friend to do a video!  I had explored this abandoned hospital a few years earlier but never did a video.  After that I headed out to check out an incredible abandoned steel mill!  We then went to the hospital to get an idea of what we were up against  then headed over to the abandoned stained glass church!  It was already a VERY full day so we stopped at a pizza joint I know of & hogged out!





Our plan was to watch security do their rounds then make our move. We prepared our gear & that included left over pizza, beers, hammocks, sleeing bags & of course, our camera gear. Now, before anyone says anything, the state hospital is partially restored & you can actually stay in the classy hotel & dine in the administration area. Although somewhat active, this place is massive & mostly abandoned. We stood in the shadows & watched for a few hours to nail down the security patrol. Once we were confident of the timing, we made our move.





Quickly, we made our way into the old abandoned state hospital under the cover of darkness.  Then made our way away from the main active area & started to look for a place to sleep.  We found a spot far enough away in a connecting corridor that would work for our hammocks!  Then it was time to make sure we hadn't been spotted.  We headed to a window where we could clearly see the high fence & watch for security.  After what seemed to be hours we finally spotted him doing his rounds as usual so we knew we were good!





The rest of the night we ate leftover pizza, drank beers & did some exploring to get an idea of where we were & where we were going the next day. The key thing when exploring at night in places you can't use a flashlight is to use the red headlamp.  This is less noticeable & preserves your night vision!





We woke from our terrible sleep at the crack of dawn. We headed the area where they allowed tours & knowing one was happening around 10 am we wanted to do that area first. We explored around but like any asylum, its essentially a maze. Some corridor were impassable, stairways that were sealed off. It really was difficult to find our way around. Roughly two hours into the explore Freaktography came over to me & said he could hear someone dragging something heavy across the floor. We were near the tour area & still had plenty of time before they entered. We knew we had to get away but every route was a dead end. We had to risk going by the entry for the tour. Thankfully we got by & made the decision it was time to leave.





We made our way to the exit however being day time now, we'd be exposed to anyone walking/driving by. We had to move quick yet stealthy. With hearts racing, we did little sprint burts to our next hiding spot outtside behind random equipment & piles of junk. We peaked around the last corner leading to the way we got over the fence & the coast was clear! We then darted for the fence & quickly got to the other side. Tossing our gear into the car & making a quick getaway to the otherside where we were now safe & could do out video outro!


There was definitely more we could have explored at the Abandoned State Hospital but we were more than satisfied with what we had done.  Not to mention sleeping over there!  It was definitely a bucket list explore & an epic time!

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