A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
From abandoned buildings to notorious graveyards, Ohio has plenty of haunted landmarks that will test your bravery. Yet none can rival the Ohio State Reformatory. Also known as Mansfield Reformatory, this location is considered one of the most haunted places in the state, if not the country. Its history is long and complicated, and inside the abandoned walls lie memories of suffering, anguish, and isolation. Today, visitors can walk the hallways and lonely corridors, though they may experience something more than history. Sign up for a tour with Ghost Hunts USA and you’ll witness firsthand what makes this location so paranormal.
Even if you've never toured the Ohio State Reformatory, chances are it looks familiar. This stately building was used as the set for the famous film, The Shawshank Redemption.
Before the prison was established, the property was used as a training field for Civil War soldiers. Thus, the site is infused with a long and complicated history.
When the prison opened its doors to the first round of inmates in 1896, they were immediately put to work on the prison sewer system and construction of a 25-foot wall.
By 1990, the facility was ordered to close due to reports of overcrowding and inhumane conditions. It's no secret that many prisoners died or took their own lives while inside these cells.
There are few areas of this prison site that haven't been deemed haunted. From the administrative offices to the prison blocks themselves, areas of this prison have turned skeptics into believers.
Ghost Hunts USA offers various dates, so be sure to check out their website by clicking here. Have you visited the notorious Ohio State Reformatory before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments below.