![]() The Crozet tunnel would ultimately be abandoned once more efficient railways were connected. Stonewall Jacksons used his knowledge of the local topography and Crozet Tunnel to quickly move troops in and out of battle. The tunnel even played a key role during the Civil War. The Virginia Central Railroad used the railroad to transport goods and coal from remote mining locations throughout the state. This historic railroad tunnel was opened in 1858 and stretched just over 4200 feet, the longest railroad tunnel in the United States. The DeJarnette Sanitarium serves as one of the darkest abandoned places in Virginia’s history.Įngineered by Claudius Crozet, the Crozet tunnel was considered one of the most notable engineering marvels of its time. It was soon transformed into a children’s school, that eventually relocated to a new facility in the late 90s. Surprisingly, forced sterilizations would be continue in Virginia until the 1970s.Įventually, the state took control of the center in the mid-1970s, and much of the facility fell into disrepair. Soon, the theory was deemed inhumane and DeJarnette’s reputation was left in shambles. DeJarnette’s horrific practices were justified by protecting the “greater good” by eliminating the reproduction of “inferiors”.Īs the scale and brutality of the Holocaust came to light, the eugenics movement quickly lost public support. The doctor was even quoted stating that Nazi Germany was “beating us at our own game.”Ĭonditions inside were unimaginable, as patients were seen as someone to make better, but something that was defective. He was largely responsible for many of the forced sterilizations at both locations. Unfortunately for his patients, DeJarnette was an outspoken advocate for the eugenics movement. Joseph DeJarnette director of Western State Hospital, the DeJarneete center was supposed to be a more upscale facility for wealthier families. Less than two miles from the form Western State Hospital is the ghostly DeJarnette Sanitarium. While this isn’t 100% abandoned, I’d still recommend anyone to check this place out if you’re a fan of dark history and architectural preservation.ģ8.13129, -79.04493 Photo Credit: Schumin. The properties are connected through a network of underground tunnels which now may be inaccessible. Some buildings on the property are still being repaired, offering a glimpse into its original state. Thankfully they did an excellent job preserving the history, keeping the iconic spiraling staircase, and even keeping some cell doors intact. Today, much of the Western State Lunatic Asylum has been converted into the Blackburn hotel. The circumstances of a majority of the deaths at Western State are shrouded in mystery with little documentation available. Over 2000 unmarked graves can be found behind the property. This change brought on overcrowding and transformed Western State from a rehabilitation center, to a warehouse for the disabled.įorced sterilizations, electroshock therapy, and lobotomies plagued the hospital from the early 1900s to the late 40s. Unfortunately, like many mental health facilities across the country, Western State would fall victim to underfunding and abuse.īy the middle of the 19th century, funding for resort-like facilities dried up, and sterile institutions were a new trend. This is reflected all throughout the property and in the classical revival architecture. Head architect William Small believed that open-air designs, terraced gardens, and scenic walkways would help stimulate mental health. The center would change its name from Stauton to Western State Hospital in the late 1800s, but continued much of the same care. Of all the asylums during the mid to late 1800s, Stauton was considered a luxury resort-style center to help those with cognitive and behavioral issues. Western State Lunatic Asylum (Stauton) was a massive complex that opened in 1828 to care for the mentally disabled. Still, if you’re in the area it’s worth shooting the exterior or getting some overhead drone shots to show just how much the property has been neglected over the years. The inside is fairly blown out and vandalized, as this place is one of the more popular abandoned places in Virginia, especially to the local kids. There’s not much online in terms of the history of this place, but it is an interesting spot to check out. Many locals claim the property is haunted, specifically by small children. Wise County Orphanageģ7.00167, -82.57204 Photo Credit: Wise Country Orphanage sits by itself slowly becoming consumed by the wilderness around it. Below are our 20 favorite abandoned locations throughout the state.Ībandoned Places In Virginia 1. On the hunt for abandoned places in Virginia? I got you covered. ![]()
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