A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
If you’re someone with an appreciation for the paranormal, there’s one ghost-hunting event in Pennsylvania that belongs on your radar. Ghost Hunts USA is offering an exclusive overnight tour of one of the state’s most terrifying landmarks: the Cresson Former Sanatorium and State Prison. Guided by a team of ghost-hunting pros, the tour will take you to some of the most chilling corners of this building. And chances are you will encounter something unexpected, if not downright terrifying! This one is only for the boldest of explorers, the halls of the Cresson Sanatorium are haunted by the tortured souls that were kept there, and they’re not afraid to make themselves known.
Nicknamed, "the San," the Cresson Former Sanatarium and State Prison is a massive complex of abandoned buildings situated atop Cresson Mountain.
The buildings alone have an eerie feel to them, dominating the otherwise flat landscape with towering turrets and steeples.
The history of the landmark dates back to 1911 when Dr. Samuel G. Dixon received 500 acres of land donated to become the Cresson State Tuberculosis Sanatorium, also known as the Allegheny Tuberculosis Sanatorium.
By the 1920s, many of the patients had recovered from tuberculosis, and some even stayed to attend the on-site nursing program which was in effect from 1919 to 1952. During this period it was an effective and productive institution, assisting patients and providing life enriching services for them in addition to effective treatment.
By 1952, the facility had become the Lawrence Flick State Hospital, a treatment facility for those suffering from mental illness. After 32 years, the building would eventually become a state prison, operating from 1987 until 2013.
This is when things took a turn in terms of the care of the residents. Those with mental illness were rarely treated well during this time period and the San appears to be no different. As a result of the torture inflicted on the patients, many people report hearing voices and feeling like they're being followed while visiting.
Visitors, former prisoners, and ghost hunters all agree that this is one of the most haunted destinations in Pennsylvania. Areas such as the medical and psychiatric building, sanatorium, hospital building, End of Life Building, and chapel hold some of the most terrifying energy. The souls that were put through hell in this facility are looking for a release, and you're the only people around to air their troubles to.
The tour will last from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., giving you the chance to explore these forlorn hallways through the dead of the night.
You'll even have the opportunity to explore previously specified areas independently, without the safety of the group. Do you have the stomach for it?
Access to trigger objects and EMF meters means you'll be able to detect even the most subtle paranormal communication. The group leaders will host paranormal vigils at the most haunted locations throughout the property.
You'll also have free time to roam the grounds on your own...if you dare!
So whether you're fascinated by the extensive and troubling history of the facility or are eager to encounter something otherworldly, you'll find your tour with Ghost Hunts USA to be positively unforgettable.
But after an experience as chilling and surreal as this, we can't promise that you'll leave the same person that came in.
Do you think you would brave an overnight tour at the haunted Cresson Sanatorium? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! We love to hear firsthand accounts of these unique experiences from our readers, especially when it comes to the paranormal. Have you ever encountered a ghost?
