M3DICINE SHOW CIN3MA

Strange history and legends surround the Jackson Sanitarium in Dansville, New York. The main building was built in the early 1800’s. The other buildings, which housed the people who ran the Sanitarium, were built between 1895 and 1929.

The Sanitarium closed in 1971. Even before it closed rumors of figures in windows, strange noises, and eerie stories have circulated among local residents for over one hundred and seventy years.

Historical records show over 1,000 occupants have died on the property. Some believe many of these souls are still present here. This building has a long tormented history as a former poor house, insane asylum, orphanage, and nursing home. Unmarked graves riddle the property from those days. It is said that the children were sold into labor or used as sexual slaves by local farmers. Businessmen were said to come here for parties that involved drugs and sex with attractive female and male inmates.

Genesee County purchased this property in 1826 and opened its doors to the poor in 1827. They took in paupers, the insane, orphans, transients, unwed mothers, the elderly, and anyone who could not support and care for themselves. Monies were raised mainly through donations and government funding. It seems unlikely that much of those monies were used as intended. Little found its way to the people it was suppose to help. Most found its way into the pockets of the people who ran the place.

By the 1950’s, the property was used for a nursing home only. Rumors of nurses practicing witchcraft, infant sacrifices, and evil practices circulated the community. Legend has it that black witchcraft, and devil worship have taken place on the property throughout the 1800’s and well into the 1950’s.

The residents were moved to the new facility in Batavia in 1971. The building has sat empty ever since. In light of the building’s history, there exists many unsettled souls wandering the property and within its remaining structures.