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[Mad Dawg]

At one point in history, this was the largest mental institution in the world. Over 13,000 patients and 4,000 staff crowded the halls of this massive complex. One out of every 25 lobotomies was performed here, and in the 40's and 50's, 2,000 patients suffered a fate far worse than death. As deinstitutionalization occurred, the hospital slowly emptied and many buildings were demolished. Although the hospital still functions on a smaller scale, the massive medical/surgical and administration buildings remain abandoned awaiting demolition. A decaying testament to a forgotten era.

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The operating room where all lobotomies were performed. Up to 60 patients a day would line up in the hallway outside and wait their turn for almost certain death. One of the most moving places i've ever set foot in


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Check out this video if you want to see the operating room while the building was in use. Note the aluminum doorframes, windows and ceiling exhaust fans, some of the few remaining bits of evidence of what happened here.
http://youtu.be/gucei5PU_NY

[Jude]

I watched the video,  so sad.         I really liked your photos,  my favourites are #6, 10, and 11.   

[Kay]

1.6.9,10, and 11.

The light in these are wonderful.

[LucieLou]

Good work! I can imagine how walking into a room where so many ppl. had a Lobotomy was quite unnerving.   

[chrisfilm]

Love this place! Gotta get back there soon, great shots!

[macgruder]

I was just there as well, when I saw your first shot I thought it was my picture. 

I must have missed the room where 6,7 and 9 were, I'm pretty pissed at myself now.

Cools shots, nonetheless.

[andymore]

nice shots i like 11 best

[Mad Dawg]

Thanks y'all! Was a blast getting to see the biggest state hospital in the world.

[macgruder]

Thanks y'all! Was a blast getting to see the biggest state hospital in the world.

What's left of it anyway.  They just demolished all those buildings that were a street over.

The only thing left now is the one huge complex.  I wish I could have seen it before the rest were demolished and it was abated.

[Mad Dawg]

Yeah, former biggest state hospital. It's crazy how much is gone, but the two highrises and other buildings still take up a decent amount. We were about to walk back to the staff houses to take a look when a county cop drove back. Apparently they're totally gone at this point anyways.

[TootUncommon]

Very nice documentation of this.