The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is known as one of the most haunted places in the world. It operated as a tuberculosis hospital from 1910 to 1961, and it is said that over 63,000 people died within its walls. Many people believe that the spirits of these unfortunate patients still haunt the sanatorium to this day. In this article, we will explore the history of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium and its death records.
The History of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium was built in 1908 to treat tuberculosis patients, which was a common disease at the time. It was designed to accommodate up to 50 patients, but as the disease spread, the hospital quickly became overcrowded. In 1910, a larger hospital was built on the same site to accommodate the growing number of patients.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the sanatorium became one of the most advanced tuberculosis hospitals in the country. Patients were treated with fresh air, rest, and a healthy diet, and many were cured. However, as antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis became available in the 1940s, the need for tuberculosis hospitals decreased, and the Waverly Hills Sanatorium was closed in 1961.
The Death Toll at Waverly Hills Sanatorium
It is estimated that over 63,000 people died at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium during its years of operation. Due to the high death toll, it is not surprising that the sanatorium is considered one of the most haunted places in the world.
Many ghost stories have been reported over the years, including sightings of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained movements. The most famous ghost story is that of a nurse who hung herself in the hospital after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Her spirit is said to roam the halls of the sanatorium to this day.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium Death Records
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium death records are available to the public and can be accessed through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. These records contain information about patients who were treated at the sanatorium, including their name, age, and cause of death.
Many people have used the death records to research their family history and to find out more information about their ancestors who were treated at the sanatorium. However, due to the high death toll, it can be difficult to find information about specific individuals.
The Haunting of Waverly Hills Sanatorium
The haunting of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium has been documented in numerous books, TV shows, and movies. The most famous of these is the 2006 documentary, “Spooked: The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanatorium.”
Visitors to the sanatorium have reported strange occurrences, including cold spots, unexplained noises, and ghostly apparitions. Some have even claimed to see the ghost of the nurse who hung herself in the hospital.
Conclusion
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a haunting reminder of a time when tuberculosis was a deadly disease. Its death records provide a glimpse into the lives of those who were treated at the hospital and the struggles they faced. While the sanatorium is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the many ghost stories that surround it. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium will always be a place of mystery and intrigue, attracting visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its haunting history.