Please CLICK HERE to view the photographs from last year's visit to the hospital.The Manteno State Hospital was constructed in 1929. The hospital became short on staff during World War II, and this problem persisted throughout the life of MSH; many scandals and reports of abuse began to surface as the patient to staff ratio became more dramatic. At one point, the hospital had just 200 staff members for 8,100 patients.
In 1983, a decision was made to close the Manteno Mental Health Center.
In recent years, the vacant hospital buildings have attracted the attention of "ghost hunters". Visitors report hearing voices, crying and screaming while wandering the hallways and rooms of the buildings.
Today, a new housing development is underway right across the street. This was my last visit to the facility as I expect the building to be demolished with a year.
