Central State Hospital

This place is on private property. Listing for informational purposes only. Please do not visit without express permission from the land owner. This location was open as early as 1827 but only as one house with 5 patients. By 1928 the site and population had exploded to covering many acres and over 3,000 patients. Overcrowding became such a problem that those considered criminally insane had to housed with those attempting to overcome simple social issues. The site was closed in 1994 when tales of patient abuse began to come to light and the state government began to look at alternatives to institutionalization. The site is now largely abandoned and closed to the public but unlike many of its fellow hospitals it has not been completely demolished. There is currently a museum dedicated to the medical history if Indiana on the grounds. Only some of the buildings were demolished over the years; for example the female and male wards are now gone – only a large lawn occupies their former location.The hospital is located in the 2300 – 3300 blocks of West Washington St on the western side of Indianapolis. As of 2003 the property is owned by the city. There is cemetery on the grounds but rumors abound of many unmarked graves as well.