Exploring Oklahoma’s Abandoned Sanitariums: A Haunting Look into the State’s Medical History
Abandoned sanitariums are some of the most intriguing locations for urban explorers. These derelict structures often carry a sense of mystery and history that can be both fascinating and chilling. Oklahoma is home to several abandoned sanitariums that offer a glimpse into the state’s medical history. In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting abandoned sanitariums in Oklahoma.
1. Griffin Memorial Hospital
Griffin Memorial Hospital was originally established in 1926 as an asylum for the mentally ill. It was named after Dr. Walter C. Griffin, who served as Oklahoma’s first commissioner of mental health from 1913-1922.
Over the years, Griffin Memorial Hospital expanded to include several buildings, including a tuberculosis ward and a children’s unit. However, by the late 20th century, many of these buildings were no longer in use.
Today, visitors to Griffin Memorial Hospital can explore its eerie hallways and rooms filled with rusted equipment and peeling paint. The hospital has been featured on several TV shows about paranormal activity due to reports of strange occurrences within its walls.
2. Central State Mental Institution
Central State Mental Institution was established in 1908 as one of Oklahoma’s first institutions for treating people with mental illnesses or disabilities.
Like many similar institutions across America at the time it opened up “Insane Asylums” were built in rural areas away from population centers often using farming as part treatment therapy so patients could grow crops or care for animals while being treated medically or psychologically
By mid-century it had expanded significantly covering over half-a-million square feet with nearly five thousand employees caring for thousands patients annually making it one largest employers in OKC area until its closure ended more than eighty years later when modern medicine shifted focus towards community-based outpatient care rather than institutionalization
Today much remains standing at Central State including massive brick buildings that once housed wards full ranging from disturbed to mildly challenged patients from all walks of life. The grounds have also been used for films, TV shows and music videos.
3. Norman Sanitarium
The Norman Sanitarium was established in the early 20th century as a hospital for treating tuberculosis patients. During its peak years in the 1930s and 1940s, it housed over 200 patients at a time.
By the mid-20th century, antibiotics had made tuberculosis less of a threat, and the sanitarium was converted into an institution for treating mental illness. It remained open until the late 1980s and then sat abandoned for several years before being purchased by private investors who transformed it into an apartment complex.
Today, visitors can explore some of the original buildings that still stand on the property. Many people report feeling uneasy while walking through these abandoned halls due to their dark history as both a tuberculosis hospital and asylum.
4. Oklahoma Tuberculosis Sanatorium
The Oklahoma Tuberculosis Sanatorium was established in Lawton in 1910 as one of many institutions across America dedicated to treating tuberculosis – which at that time killed more Americans than any other disease or infection
It quickly became overcrowded with nearly twice its capacity during peak years making it difficult to contain spread among staff or patients despite attempts at isolation rooms & strict hygiene protocols such as mask wearing when around others outside personal quarters (which were often small single bed dormitories), frequent disinfecting surfaces (including linens) & even using x-rays check progress treatment
After WWII A cure finally found with wide-spread use of antibiotics allowing most TB cases treated outpatient basis away from hospitals but sanitorium continued operating until late-1960s when last remaining residents discharged
Today much is left standing including large brick buildings once housing wards filled with coughing patients seeking relief from “consumption” – one name given this highly contagious lung disease which drove many victims insane from the prolonged and painful symptoms of coughing up blood, fever, weight loss and fatigue.
5. Western State Hospital
Western State Hospital was established in 1908 as a hospital for treating people with mental illness or disabilities (like Central State which opened same year). At its peak in the mid-20th century, it housed over 2,000 patients at a time.
The hospital had several different wings dedicated to different types of patients including those suffering from schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. However, by the late 20th century many of these buildings were no longer in use due to advances in psychiatric medicine.
Today visitors can explore some of the original buildings that still stand on the property although some have been repurposed into community college classrooms or administrative offices for state agencies located nearby.
In summary, Oklahoma’s abandoned sanitariums offer an intriguing glimpse into our state’s medical history. From tuberculosis hospitals to institutions for treating mental illness, these structures are full of stories waiting to be discovered by intrepid urban explorers willing to brave their dark corridors and haunted halls.