Greystone Psychiatric Hospital New Jersey: 100 Years of History and Haunting

History of Greystone Psychiatric Hospital

Greystone Psychiatric Hospital opened its doors in 1876 as the Morris Plains State Hospital. The hospital was originally intended to house 500 patients, but by the early 20th century, it was home to over 2,000.

Greystone was a pioneer in the field of mental health care. In 1917, the hospital established the first psychiatric residency program in the United States. Greystone was also one of the first hospitals to use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and insulin coma therapy.

However, Greystone's history is also marked by tragedy. In 1939, a fire broke out in the hospital's administration building, killing thirteen people. In 1967, a patient named James Hastie escaped from the hospital and murdered three people in nearby Morristown.

Greystone began to decline in the late 20th century. The hospital's population dropped precipitously, and the state of New Jersey began to close down wards. In 2003, Greystone was officially closed.

The Haunting of Greystone

Greystone Psychiatric Hospital is said to be one of the most haunted places in New Jersey. Visitors report seeing ghosts of patients, staff, and even animals. Some people claim to have heard screams, moans, and other strange noises coming from the hospital.

One of the most famous ghosts at Greystone is the ghost of a young woman named Mary. Mary is said to have died at the hospital in the early 1900s. Her ghost is often seen wandering the halls of the hospital, looking for her lost love.

Another famous ghost at Greystone is the ghost of a man named John. John is said to have been a patient at the hospital who was murdered by another patient. His ghost is often seen in the hospital's chapel, where he is said to pray for his soul.

Greystone Today

Today, Greystone Psychiatric Hospital is a ruin. The buildings are abandoned and falling apart. The grounds are overgrown with weeds and trees. However, the hospital's history and haunting reputation continue to fascinate people.

There are several tours of Greystone Psychiatric Hospital available to the public. Visitors can learn about the hospital's history, see the abandoned buildings, and hear stories about the ghosts that are said to haunt the grounds.

10 Interesting Facts About Greystone Psychiatric Hospital

1. Greystone Psychiatric Hospital was originally known as the Morris Plains State Hospital.
2. The hospital was originally intended to house 500 patients, but by the early 20th century, it was home to over 2,000.
3. Greystone was a pioneer in the field of mental health care and established the first psychiatric residency program in the United States in 1917.
4. Greystone was also one of the first hospitals to use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and insulin coma therapy.
5. In 1939, a fire broke out in the hospital's administration building, killing thirteen people.
6. In 1967, a patient named James Hastie escaped from the hospital and murdered three people in nearby Morristown.
7. Greystone began to decline in the late 20th century and the state of New Jersey began to close down wards.
8. In 2003, Greystone was officially closed.
9. Greystone Psychiatric Hospital is said to be one of the most haunted places in New Jersey.
10. Visitors report seeing ghosts of patients, staff, and even animals at Greystone.

FAQs About Greystone Psychiatric Hospital

Q: Is Greystone Psychiatric Hospital open to the public?
A: Yes, there are several tours of Greystone Psychiatric Hospital available to the public.

Q: Are the ghosts at Greystone real?
A: There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts. However, many people believe that the ghosts at Greystone are real.

Q: What is the most famous ghost at Greystone?
A: The most famous ghost at Greystone is the ghost of a young woman named Mary. Mary is said to have died at the hospital in the early 1900s. Her ghost is often seen wandering the halls of the hospital, looking for her lost love.

Conclusion

Greystone Psychiatric Hospital is a fascinating place with a rich history and a haunting reputation. The hospital is a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of mental health care in the United States. It is also a place where visitors can learn about the history of mental illness and the people who have suffered from it.