There are few things more terrifying than an old abandoned hospital. Maybe it’s the fact that hospitals are supposed to be places of warmth and comfort. People go to hospitals to heal and feel better. Seeing them in an abandoned, dilapidated state is the exact opposite of the positive image that we like to associate with hospitals. The creepy hospital featured below is, surprisingly, still standing. It’s even believed to be haunted due to the hospital’s tragic history. Once you hear the creepy story behind this hospital, you may find that you are perfectly okay with keeping your distance from this place.
Hiding on the outskirts of Nevada City is a massive 34,000-square foot complex that’s definitely seen better days. The structure, known as the HEW building, has been abandoned for well over a decade but that doesn’t stop people from visiting this place, especially those who are intrigued by the ex-hospital’s creepy history.
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It may be hard to believe, but at one point this property was home to the Nevada County Hospital. Originally built in 1860, it operated as a county hospital until 1975. In the 1980s, the building was then used to house low-risk inmates from the county’s overcrowded jails.
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The structure would last be used as the headquarters for the Behavioral Health Department, along with other offices. As a hospital, the historic structure undoubtedly saw a lot of death. However, it wasn’t until 2001 when an unforgettable tragedy occurred in the building, dooming it to an inevitable end.
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On January 10, 2001, a mentally ill man who had once received assistance from the Behavioral Health Dept. opened fire inside of the building, shooting three people. Two of them died. Just five years later, the county would officially vacate the HEW building forever.
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Since then, the HEW building has been left in near ruins. Nature has slowly started to reclaim the old building. Long twisting vines and graffiti cover the building from head to toe. In 2013, plans were made to develop the property into housing but have yet to come to fruition. It’s almost like the building has been left in permanent limbo.
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Today, the building is officially closed off to the public. You can view the outside but all the doors and windows are boarded up and locked, restricting you from getting a peek inside. Unfortunately, this hasn’t stopped people from breaking in or vandalizing the historic structure.
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Due to the structure’s unsettling history, some people have made claims that the building is undoubtedly haunted. Reports of unexplained shadows and general feelings of unease have been made. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you have to admit there’s something about this place that feels…off.
Bloom65/TripAdvisor If you do decide to visit this century-old abandoned hospital, please be courteous. As you can see, the structure has been victim to all sorts of vandalism over the years and we’d like to preserve this unique piece of history for as long as possible!
Did you know the story behind this creepy abandoned hospital? This place is both spooky and downright sad. Check out our list of the 10 Most Terrifying Places In Northern California for more haunting destinations to visit!
Bloom65/TripAdvisor
If you do decide to visit this century-old abandoned hospital, please be courteous. As you can see, the structure has been victim to all sorts of vandalism over the years and we’d like to preserve this unique piece of history for as long as possible!
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