This Creepy Asylum In Iowa Is Still Standing… And Still Disturbing
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Michaela Kendall
Author
There have been several state mental institutions in Iowa that have closed their doors over the years, and each one has it’s own chilling history. One of the most notorious institutions is the Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove. The Manor, as it’s called, has a history of horror dating all the way back to 1850. And what’s more – it’s still standing to this day.
The town of Edinburgh was originally the county seat of Jones County. In June of 1840, the land located at section 36 in Wayne Township was originally deeded for courthouse purposes with the grant being signed by President Buchanan. Shortly after this grant the county seat was changed from Edinburgh and the commissioners kept the grant for the establishment of the county poor farm.
Described as a "comfortable retreat for the lazy, able-bodied and willingly dependent applicants," the poor farm housed the poor, incurably insane and disabled. Tenants were given shelter and food for their labor, and in exchange, they would farm agriculture and livestock.
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The poor farm was in operation from 1850 to 1910, and in that time there were over 80 documented deaths on the property, some of questionable causes. Their graves can be found in the cemetery out back, where their restless spirits are said to wander about at night.
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In 1910, the poor farm closed down and was demolished. Edinburgh Manor was then constructed from 1910-1911 to house the incurably insane, the poor and the elderly. Edinburgh Manor was in operation until November 2010. When the last patients and employees left the building in 2010, they never returned.
In the summer of 2012, The Manor was opened up for paranormal investigations, and has even been featured on the TV show, Ghost Adventures.
Visitors to the now defunct manor have reported all sorts of strange, creepy phenomena such as ghostly voices, orbs, and unexplained noises. The Manor is rumored to be one of the most haunted sites in Iowa.
Watch this chilling video for a brief tour:
Pretty creepy, right? Have any of you visited The Manor and experienced any paranormal phenomena? Share your experiences with us!
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