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Like many horror stories, this one begins at an insane asylum. If you’re a Buffalonian, you may already know exactly what we’re talking about. The Richardson Hotel (formerly Hotel Henry) is now a bright, luxurious, modern hotel – but the dark history of the H.H. Richardson Complex is still worth mentioning. Read on to see if the sinister story behind this popular Buffalo hotel gives you chills. Hotel Henry’s history will delight your sense of the macabre, and tickle the ghostly hairs on the back of your neck as if someone were standing right behind you!

 

The Richardson Olmsted Campus (also known as the H.H. Richardson Complex) was opened in 1880 as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane.
Richardson Olmsted Complex - Facebook
Like many old asylums, this building is thought to have elevated paranormal activity since its abandonment.
The four-story building is immediately recognizable by two 185-foot towers.
Richardson Olmsted Campus - Facebook
This structure was designed by famous architect (and namesake) Henry Hobson Richardson as a part of the "Kirkbride Plan." This plan was intended to change the in-patient care of the mentally ill by providing patients with plenty of natural light and air circulation.
The building has several unique features - one of the most notable being the curved walls.
Richardson Olmsted Campus - Facebook
While the curved walls certainly add to the aesthetic appeal of the building, they actually served a greater purpose; it made it more difficult to place rows of patients on hospital beds throughout the hallways, which was a common problem for other asylums at the time when they became overcrowded.
While a large part of the building has now been restored into a beautiful hotel its dark past still creeps in.
Richardson Olmsted Campus - Facebook
While the original intentions of the facility were good, the asylum quickly became overwhelmed by numbers of mentally ill patients and occupancy was exceeded by thousands. Despite the curved walls, the hospital was overcrowded and, without ample room to complete their treatment, the complex fell back to treating the mentally ill with old, outdated practices... which were rather horrifying at times.

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There are numerous stories of patient torture within the walls of the complex.
Richardson Olmsted Campus - Facebook
Once occupancy was exceeded, some patients were transferred to the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and the Richardson complex was left abandoned.
This is when the real creepiness sets in!
Richardson Olmsted Campus - Facebook
There are several accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal activity since the complex's abandonment. It is thought that the ghosts of patients who died within the complex still frequent the facility today.
In 1986, the Richardson Olmsted Complex was registered as a National Historic Landmark.
The Richardson Hotel
Hotel Henry and the Buffalo Architecture Center currently reside in about 1/3 of the complex. The other 2/3 of the buildings are stabilized - but still very much resemble the facility's dark past until future opportunities arise.
Despite the possibility of ghost encounters, we definitely recommend a stay at this Buffalo hotel!
The Richardson Hotel
Hotel Henry is beautifully designed and worthy of a visit for your next Buffalo staycation. If you can look past the dark history of this once-creepy asylum that is!

Spend a night at Hotel Henry in this video - you might just catch a glimpse of a ghost or two if you keep your eyes peeled:

This haunted hotel in Buffalo has so many stories to tell. Has Hotel Henry’s history enticed you to book a visit at the newly remodeled Richardson Hotel? If you have stories from the Richardson Complex that you think is chill-inducing, share them with us in the comments!

Be sure to check out another Buffalo haunted hotel, a theater, a park, and even an opera house in this article. Because there are always more haunted places to explore in New York.

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More to Explore

More haunted places in New York

Chris Muras | January 25, 2023

What are some haunted places in Buffalo, New York?

There are definitely a few iconic places with old spirits lingering longer than they should in Buffalo. From haunted lighthouses to former insane asylums, even entire streets, Buffalo has some ghostly shenanigans going on just about everywhere. Here are a few haunted places in Buffalo, New York:

 

Are there any haunted hotels in New York?

Oh boy, are there ever haunted hotels in New York? Some of the most historical hotels in New York have sordid pasts, and with that history comes plenty of stories they'd rather keep buried. But these old ghosts have a way of making themselves known. Here are a few of the most haunted hotels in New York:

  • Erie Mansion - Clyde, NY
  • Batcheller Mansion Inn - Saratoga Springs, NY
  • Allegiance Bed and Breakfast - Mount Morris, NY
  • The Naples Hotel - Naples, NY
  • Shanley Hotel - Napanoch, NY
  • Brambles Inn & Gardens - Potsdam, NY
  • Hotel Utica - Utica, NY

 

Read all about these haunted hotels in New York, and then plan a haunted hotel road trip to come see them in person. And spend a night - if you dare.

What is the haunted museum in Buffalo?

The haunted museum in Buffalo you might be thinking about is the Iron Island Museum. A celebration of everything paranormal can be enjoyed in this unique museum in Buffalo's Lovejoy district. one join in on an overnight cost hunt if you dare. You never know what ghosts will crawl out of the woodwork to greet you.

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Featured Addresses
The Richardson Hotel, 444 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA