Taunton State Hospital was founded as the State Lunatic Hospital in 1854. It operated for decades as a repository for individuals suffering from mental illness and, in at least once case, a true monster.
Though Taunton did not suffer the same overcrowding and terrible living conditions as other New England asylums of the era, it did have brushes with evil that not many other places can match. Read on to learn more about this hospital with a dark history.
Before its closure in the 1970s, staff and patients reported feeling uneasy in the lower levels of the hospital. After digging around in the hospital’s records, a group of staff allegedly uncovered evidence that an inner circle of doctors and nurses were conducting experiments on patients in the basement of the hospital. Staff notes were reportedly found indicating that some patients were taken from the wards by certain doctors and not seen again. While this story has all the trappings of an urban legend, explorers of the abandoned hospital claimed to have felt an evil presence in the building.
Of course, the most disturbing connection with true evil that Taunton State Hospital can claim is its most notorious resident - Jane Toppan, one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. When interviewed by police, Toppan stated that her aim was "to have killed more people — helpless people — than any other man or woman who ever lived."
Jane Toppan was born Honora Kelley in 1857. Her parents were Irish immigrants, though Jane’s mother died when she was very young. Her father was an alcoholic and rumored to be insane, and local rumors even stated that his madness drove him to sew his own eyelids shut while working as a tailor.
When Jane was six years old, her father deposited his two young daughters at the Boston Female Asylum orphanage and never saw them again. Eventually Jane was placed as an indentured servant with the Toppan family in Lowell, and adopted their last name as her own.
In her early years, Jane was described as "brilliant and terrible." She was reported to be very intelligent but unsociable and unkind. The Toppans already had a young daughter, Elizabeth, when Jane arrived in the household, who was apparently quite beautiful and kind. Many believe Jane’s envy of Elizabeth first triggered her homicidal tendencies. When Jane grew up, her personality seemed to shift almost overnight. She began training as a nurse at Cambridge Hospital in 1885, and had many friends. During her time at Taunton, she was nicknamed "Jolly Jane" due to her perpetually cheerful and good-humored demeanor.
However, the sunny disposition was hiding a horrible nature. During her time at Cambridge Hospital, Toppan started using her patients as guinea pigs, experimenting on them with morphine and atropine just to see what different doses would do to them. She would make up fake medical charts and even get into bed with her patients as they died from the drugs she had given them. Some reports stated that she derived sexual satisfaction from feeling the life ebb from their bodies.
Toppan went on to kill 31 people over her career as a hospital and private nurse. She eventually became fond of poisoning people who were not her patients, including her foster sister Elizabeth.
After a toxicology report uncovered the presence of strychnine in one of Toppan’s patients, she was arrested and tried for murder in the Barnstable County Courthouse in 1902. She was committed to Taunton State Hospital after being found not-guilty by reason of insanity. Toppan stayed at Taunton for the rest of her life.
An interesting note: local folklore often cites Taunton State Hospital as the temporary home of notorious Massachusetts resident Lizzie Borden. However, during the trial concerning the vicious axe murders of her family, Borden was never held at the hospital itself but at the jail on Hodges Avenue near the hospital.
Taunton State Hospital is definitely one of the darker spots on the Massachusetts map. If spooky stories appeal to you, check out our list of the 15 most terrifying places in Massachusetts that will give you chills.
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year! The hot and humid days of summer turn cool and crisp in the autumn months, and I am here for it. If you're like me and already planning your fall adventures even during the summer, check out the 14 best things to do in Massachusetts in the fall.
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Massachusetts Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Massachusetts For Fall Foliage
Massachusetts in the fall comes alive with colorful leaves. It's one of those states people visit from all over the country to go leaf-peeping. Those of us who live here can see stunning foliage just about anywhere we go. Typically, fall colors hit their peak between mid-September and early October. Just check for the 2024 fall foliage predictions before making your plans. However, here are the best places to view fall foliage:
Wow factor: This is one of the best places in the state to see fall foliage. 10/10 recommend!
Need To Know: This small mountain town is located in the Berkshires of Western Mass. Head to Lenox Mountain for a hike and to view the pretty fall colors.
There's so much to love about the town of Lenox, especially in the fall. Not only is the town absolutely charming with historic mansions from the Gilded Age like The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home as well as shopping and dining establishments but the natural beauty around town makes it picture-perfect this time of the year.
Wow factor: For some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the state, you must come here!
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Need To Know: This is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. The park is open from dawn until dusk.
Mount Greylock State Reservation is one of the best places to visit in the Bay State in the fall. In fact, it's considered the best state park in Massachusetts! You can either hike or drive to the summit. When you get to the summit, prepare for your jaw to drop at the spectacular views of the treetops all dressed in their fall glory.
Wow factor: Cape Cod is beautiful any time of the year and takes on a completely different look and feel come fall.
Need To Know: Whether you take a hike in the Cape Cod National Seashore or find a cranberry bog during harvest season in the fall, the photo ops are endless.
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Cape Cod may not be the first place you think about when thinking about fall foliage but maybe it should be. While many people think of the Cape as a summer-only tourist destination, that couldn't be further from the truth. The Cape Cod peninsula also comes alive with vibrant warm fall colors, and it should not be missed! And with its peak between mid-September to late October, you may be able to go leaf-peeping a little later in the season than anywhere else in the state.
Wow factor: With colorful treetops and Boston as a backdrop, this may be your favorite place to view fall foliage near the city.
Need To Know: This state park covers an area of 7,000 acres between the towns of Dedham and Quincy. Hiking is the most popular activity here.
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For "fall activities near me" in the Boston area, how about a hike at Blue Hills Reservation this fall? Just imagine the red, orange, and yellow treetops with the city of Boston in the background. Beautiful, right? One of the best places to go to see the fall foliage is from the top of the 35-foot Great Blue Hill Observation Tower, also known as the Eliot Tower.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Massachusetts
Taking the whole family to a pumpkin patch is a favorite pastime in the fall. Just being outdoors searching for the perfect gourd for pie, decoration, or a jack o'lantern is almost like the best scavenger hunt to partake in this time of year. For one of the best fall activities, here are some of the best pumpkin patches in Massachusetts:
Wow factor: You'll be wowed at this pumpkin patch which is the largest in the state!
Need To Know: This farm grows 40,000 pumpkins across 13 acres annually.
If you only go to one pumpkin patch this year, make it the one at Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough. With pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes and even colors, you'll have a blast finding the perfect one for your home decor. This farm also grows more than 40,000 pumpkins each fall so you can just imagine how amazing the pumpkin patch is. In addition to choosing pumpkins, visitors can grab an apple cider donut and feed the barn animals. What a perfect place to be in the fall!
Wow factor: This is such a charming farm to visit in the fall!
Need To Know: This farm's pumpkin patch is only open on weekends between mid-September and late October.
Ioka Valley Farm has a quaint pumpkin patch where you can choose a gourd for your home. Not only that but you can visit the farm store for a variety of farm products like maple syrup, maple products, cider, cider donuts, apples, and even pumpkin whoopie pies. For more fun, how about making your way through the miniature corn maze, petting farm animals, and trying your hand to win a pumpkin with the Pumpkin Slingshot? There's so much fun to be had at Ioka Farms this fall!
Wow factor: The farm is both beautiful and fun to visit in the fall.
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Need To Know: This family-owned farm has been around since 1913. Over 180 varieties of fruit and vegetables are grown here.
Located in Framingham, Hanson's Farm is where you can pick your own pumpkins in the fall. But that's not all! There are haunted hay rides, a corn maze, and a farm stand as well. Bring your family and friends for a day at the farm this fall.
Best Fall Festivals In Massachusetts
Fall is a festive time of the year in the Bay State. From the jousting and merriment at King Richard's Faire to an oyster festival and an Oktoberfest at one of our best breweries, here are the best fall festivals in Massachusetts:
Location: Main Street, Main St, Wellfleet, MA 02667
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Wow factor: This is a deliciously fun fall community event!
Need To Know: Tickets go on sale in late August. Get yours on the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance before they sell out.
The mere mention of the words "fall festival" may evoke a visual of pumpkins, apples, and corn mazes, but it's certainly not the case in the town of Wellfleet! Located on the Outer Cape, Wellfleet is known for its oysters, and what better way to celebrate than the Wellfleet Oysterfest this fall? This fun-filled event is held over the course of two days in October and nearly 20,000 people attend. Try some local oysters, peruse the offerings of local vendors, listen to live music, and watch culinary demonstrations. This is one event you can't miss!
Wow factor: If you love beer and fun, this fall festival is for you!
Need To Know: This event is held rain or shine and is cashless. Make sure you have a credit card on hand.
Held in early October, Harpoon Oktoberfest is something to experience. There will be live music, a stein-hoisting competition, a pretzel-eating contest, and, of course, plenty of beer and food to be had! Held at Harpoon's very own brewery and beer hall, this is one festive event.
Wow factor: This is a wonderful family-friendly event with entertainment, activities, costumes, and so much more.
Take a step back, way back, to the 16th century at the lively King Richard's Faire filled with costumed characters that will make you believe you're visiting an Olde English market. Located on 80 acres surrounded by trees, the Faire is filled with all sorts of merriment from minstrels to aerialists, fire eaters, and puppets. But that's not all! There will be jousting, there will be turkey legs, and there will be treasures made by the hands of talented artisans. Come one, come all to King Richard's Faire!
Free & Cheap Massachusetts Fall Activities
While leaf-peeping is among the top free fall activities in Massachusetts, there's certainly no shortage of other inexpensive things to do this time of year. Here are a few free and cheap activities the whole family can enjoy:
Wow factor: This is a jaw-dropping drive that will have your job drop at every turn.
Need To Know: The drive around the Quabbin Reservoir is known as the Central Hills Loop. It is 57 miles long.
At 57 miles, the Central Hills Loop around Quabbin Reservoir will give you stunning fall foliage views at every twist and turn. It's also quite an underrated drive so you may have the road all to yourself, at least for a little while. Make stops along the way, especially at the scenic overlooks you'll encounter. In a word, it's spectacular!
12. Spend the afternoon at the Boston Public Garden
Wow factor: Fall at the Public Garden in Boston is the best time of the year!
Need To Know: Visiting the Public Garden is always free, always beautiful, and always a great escape from the city.
It's no secret that the Boston Public Garden is a beautiful spot in the city. Established in 1837, it's the very first public botanical garden in the country and one of the most scenic spots for an afternoon. Visit in the fall, and your eyes will be treated to a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
Wow factor: This park is gorgeous any time of the year, but it truly shines bright in the fall.
Need To Know: There is no fee to visit this national monument site. It is open from dawn until dusk daily.
Minute Man National Historical Park is where the first battle of the Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775. Take a walk through history as you explore the trails, take a stroll across the famous North Bridge, and take a look at the fall colors. For both a history lesson and the scenery, a visit to Minute Man National Historic Park is hard to beat this time of year.
14. Go for a hike at Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Wow factor: This is one spectacularly scenic place to visit come fall!
Need To Know: There is an admission fee of $4/adult and $3 for seniors (65+) and children (2-12).
Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the Bristol Blake State Reservation. Known best for its boardwalk trails, this sanctuary is good for everyone to visit, including those who use mobility equipment. And with 107 acres to explore, you'll spend plenty of time ogling over the autumnal colors.
What are your plans this fall? Is there anything you would add to this list of the best things to do in Massachusetts in the fall? Let us know! And, if you're planning a road trip to any of the above destinations, be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials packing list.
Mother Nature always wins in the end, and these ten abandoned places in Massachusetts are proof. These places were all once important or luxurious, but they're now decaying in the most fascinating ways. Take a look at these abandoned spots across the state with incredible histories.
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Please note: some of these places are off-limits to the public. Please obey all trespassing laws and be respectful of others' property.
Editors Note: In 2009 part of this building was demolished but some of it still stands to this day.
Taunton State Hospital was a psychiatric hospital that opened in 1854. It was notorious for its overcrowded conditions and criminally insane patients, including some serial killers. The main part of the hospital closed in 1975, and there are rumors that ghosts now roam the halls. Most of the original buildings were demolished in 2009. However, many of the newer buildings remain standing and abandoned. The images above were taken in 2006.
This abandoned Massachusetts train tunnel is hidden in the forest bordering the Wachusett Dam. It was originally constructed in the late 1800s, and abandoned in the early 20th century. Over 4,000 bodies from a local graveyard had to be moved to make room for the tunnel and the dam, leading many to suspect that the abandoned tunnel is haunted. It's open to the public for exploration.
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3. Belchertown State School for the Care and Custody of Feeble Minded Persons, Belchertown
This school was built in 1922 for the purpose of sheltering and teaching those with severe mental disabilities or psychological conditions. By the 1970s, it was severely overpopulated and conditions were hellish. Patients were often left strapped to stretchers for days, and vermin were reported to crawl all over residents while they sat or ate. Closed in the mid-1970s, this school now sits abandoned. In fact, you can watch this video from the inside of this eerie place.
In the 1920s, this school for the developmentally disabled was the poster child for the American eugenics movement. The patients, mostly children, were experimented on without their consent. In one study, children were fed radioactive breakfast cereal in an experiment funded by Quaker Oats. Today, the school is closed and decaying, but its dark legacy lives on. Learn more about this dark story of the Walter E. Fernald School, but we warn you it is disturbing.
Featured in the 2003 film Mystic River, these abandoned bear cages are hidden away from the main portion of the Franklin Park Zoo. Built in 1912, they were a popular attraction with early 20th-century crowds. Families would come to watch live bears roam around the beautiful stone enclosure, much of which survives to this day. This happens to be one of the most eerily fascinating abandoned places in Boston.
In the early 20th century, this place was once one of the most luxurious hotels in Boston. The South End jewel fell on hard times and was eventually purchased by the Church of Scientology in 2008. There are plans in the works to turn it into a multi-use building while keeping the original facade.
7. Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest, Becket
This park is filled with the abandoned remnants of 20th-century mining equipment and vehicles. Visitors are permitted to explore the old cars, trucks, and other relics that dot the forest. Hiking in this area is truly like taking a stroll back in time. If you want to learn more about this very odd but intriguing walk in the woods, then check out this article about the Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest.
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8. Steinert Hall, Boston
There's a secret theater buried beneath the streets of Boston, and almost no one knows it exists. Situated beneath the Steinert Building in Boston, the oldest music store in the United States, Steinert Hall was once one of the most sought-after concert halls in the world. Built in 1896, it was abandoned in 1942 due to new fire codes. However, almost everything inside the theater has remained intact. Watch the video above by The Boston Globe for a rare glimpse into this buried treasure.
9. Rocking Horse Graveyard, Lincoln
Also called "Ponyhenge," this bizarre arrangement of broken-down rocking horses, horse figurines, and hobby horses is one of the strangest roadside attractions in the state. The horses first started appearing in 2010, and no one knows who is leaving them or why. They often change formation, and the herd is growing all the time. Take a look at this video from the YouTube channel "Exploring With John" to see more of the mysterious site.
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10. Truro Air Force Base, Truro
This abandoned Air Force base includes over 50 deserted homes and buildings. Built-in 1994, this place operated during the Cold War to scan the airwaves around Cape Cod to detect Soviet bombers. It features an abandoned bowling alley, a dining hall, and plenty of family residences. Check out the video above from the YouTube channel "Exploring With Josh" to look inside this site, one of the most fascinating abandoned places in New England. Today, this Air Force base is fenced-in and no trespassing is allowed.
Have you ever been to any of these abandoned places in Massachusetts? let us know in the comments below what is your favorite one.
