What is it about abandoned sites that make them so intriguing? In my opinion, it all has to do with mystery. The mind can't help but try to fill in what has been eroded away from some of these still-beautiful sites. Whether you come across them by accident or see footage of them through the media, there's no question that some of these places can nearly stop you in your tracks. In that spirit, the following road trip has been derived to take you to some of the most abandoned places in Virginia. These forgotten spots in the state, despite (or perhaps because of) their slow demise, are fascinating to see. Here is a link for the interactive map.
1. DeJarnette Center (Staunton)
Our road trip in Virginia to abandoned places kicks off in the historic town of Staunton. The director of the DeJarnette Sanatorium, one of the most controversial institutions in the state, believed in eugenics -- a horrifying process by which patients would be forced to undergo sterilization. This particular kind of philosophy speaks volumes about how patients were treated in the early 20th century. Today the building remains vacant, aside from paranormal investigators who find there to be plenty of ghostly activity here. It's considered one of the most haunted places in Virginia.
2. Old Burnt Mill (Hillsboro)
Established around 1842, this once lovely stone building acquired its nickname, "Old Burnt Mill," after it was destroyed by fire from Union soldiers during the Civil War. What once operated as a grist mill now stands almost completely covered by overgrowth.
3. Lorton Reformatory (Fairfax)
Built in 1910, Lorton Reformatory was a prison built for Washington D.C. Not unlike many prisons of its time, Lorton's interiors were overcrowded and its inmates were subject to horrible conditions. It was actually the inmates who built the prison walls, using bricks from the nearby area. The building was left abandoned, and the interior hallways were hauntingly silent. This historic property is actually no longer abandoned and looks quite different. It's now home to many as a sprawling apartment complex. It's one of the creepiest abandoned places in VA.
4. Fleetwood Church (Brandy Station)
Constructed in 1850, the historic Fleetwood Church was the site of the largest battle fought on horse in the Civil War. While the exterior and interior may be slowly eroding, the building itself still exudes a presence, even in the overgrowth. You can't help but reflect on all the tragedy and victory this church has witnessed in its time.
5. Barton Mansion (Richmond)
Barton Mansion, formerly known as Corner Minor, was once one of the most prominent residences in the Barton Heights township. The house was built in the late 19th century as an escape from the hustle and bustle of Richmond. After it served as a home, it was later turned into a sanatarium. While abandoned for quite a long time, today the building has been turned into luxury apartments which you can read more about on the Barton Mansion website.
6. Howard Johnson Restaurant (Afton)
As you ascend Afton Mountain and complete the trip, you'll enjoy the gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll also have a different kind of scene to admire: the once-popular Howard Johnson Restaurant. In its day, this was one of the best ice cream stops on the map. Today, the business has closed and the building has joined the list of abandoned places in Virginia.
As alluring as these sites may be, it's important to remember to use caution when visiting them. These abandoned places in Virginia are truly intriguing and mysterious and they just begin to scratch the surface of the creepiest places in Virginia. Are you fascinated by these destinations that make up some of the most haunted places in Virginia? What's your favorite story of an abandoned place? Let us know in the comments.
If you're looking for more fascinating places that are being slowly reclaimed by nature and the other elements, be sure to read about these 21 Abandoned Sites In Virginia.
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