Augusta Mental Health Institute: Abandoned Hospital In Maine

Maine is a wonderful place to live and to visit. It’s mostly full of beautiful scenery, delicious restaurants, and lots of things to do. But, that doesn’t mean all of our articles are happy. We’ve got a long history and that history isn’t always pretty. Today we’re talking about an old abandoned mental hospital in Maine that’s seen better days. When it comes to the creepiest places in Maine, the Augusta Mental Health Institute might just take the cake.

Most Mainers know the stories of this abandoned hospital. And here are a few Augusta Mental Health Institute photos to give you a feel of the place.

Built in 1840 to help Maine's mentally ill, it had the promise of being a savior for those in need.

But, the reality is much different. The hospital was plagued by stories of incompetence and death, eventually shutting its doors in 2004.

Today, the surviving buildings are some of the oldest examples of mental care facilities in America.

The hospital is located on the grounds of The Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta.

And, despite having been replaced by a much more competent facility, much of what remains is intact.

It's incredible to think that something with such a scary history can have views of Augusta like this.

And it's just beyond the seat of our state's government.

In some ways, it feels like the grounds have simply been deserted.

It has been said that there were 11,647 deaths at the hospital when it was operational.

There are stories for people found dead after nurses failed to attend to people who reported to be suicidal.

Even scarier, there are reportedly no usable records that systematically document were many of the deceased were buried.

Today, the building is a dangerous place to visit. It should also be noted that this place is monitored and trasspassing is not allowed. You can look from afar but come any closer and you will have to have a very unpleasant conversation with one of Augusta's finest.

Because the hospital was operational until 2004, much of the inside is contemporary.

But, the way the sun streams inside can still make it feel like the type of hospital you'd find in a horror film.

And much of the paint has peeled, revealing the bare walls beneath.

Patient rooms still exist along the corridors.

And many people who have ventured inside report simply feeling a sense of sadness throughout the halls.

We don't recommend you visit, but instead remember that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and we're lucky to have reputable and wonderful places to go for help.

The AMHI Augusta, Maine is one place that is best to leave alone. After all, this abandoned mental hospital in Maine has a terrifying past. And, remember that mental health is important and problems are worth seeking help for. If you’re in search of resources, visit MentalHealth.gov. Want more creepy but true tales of Maine? Check out the stories of these homicides that terrified the state. Yikes!

If you’re visiting Augusta and want to spend the night, check out this secluded cottage on a lake.

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Tori Jane | August 01, 2022

What are some truly eerie abandoned places in Maine?

Some eerie abandoned places in Maine:

Maine is a beautiful place to live or visit, but it’s not without its spooky corners. Much like anywhere else, there are many abandoned places in Maine that nature is reclaiming; some are homes, some are government buildings, and others are simply ghost towns! Some of the most fascinating abandoned places in Maine include Swan Island, an entire abandoned island off the coast that nobody really knows why it was abandoned. Another infamous abandoned place in Maine is the Evergreen Ski Resort, in Evergreen Valley. Its life wasn’t very long; it was built in 1972 and plagued with issues from the beginning.

Where are some totally creepy places in Maine?

Some creepy places in Maine:

The Wood Island Lighthouse
Old Mount Hope Cemetery

Maine is an old state, and with old states comes a lot of history. And with a lot of history, there tends to be a lot of tragedy... which typically gives birth to hauntings (or, at the very least, rumors of). Some of the most haunted places in Maine include such eerie spots as the infamous Wood Island Lighthouse, which is said to be haunted by a pair of arguing men – the old landlord, and the old keeper of the lighthouse. Sometimes, you can still hear their footsteps and the arguing. Another perfect example of creepy places in Maine is the old Mount Hope Cemetery, which is the old, creepy haunted cemetery that inspired Stephen King to write the terrifying novel Pet Sematary. Ghosts or not... that place is eerie.

What is the story behind the Augusta Mental Health Institute in Maine?

Originally called the Maine Insane Hospital (ugh) when it was built in 1840, the Augusta Mental Health Institute was a place shrouded in darkness and tragedy from the get-go. The entire grounds are registered with the National Register of Historic Places, despite the darkness of its past. Over the decades, the ways we treat mental health ailments have changed greatly; back in those days, it was a cruel, dark process and there are records of literally thousands of people who died here. Its story is dark and this place should never be opened again. Currently, it has been repurposed into a few office buildings, and some buildings still remain vacant.

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