New Mexico is a state filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. However, it also has its share of eerie and mysterious spots where the past seems to linger and haunt the present. One such place is Fort Stanton Hospital, a former tuberculosis sanatorium that now serves as a museum and psychiatric facility. This hospital has seen numerous tragedies and horrors, and some say it still harbors restless spirits and sinister forces.
The History of Fort Stanton Hospital
Fort Stanton was originally built in 1855 as a military fort to protect settlers from Apache raids. It served as a base for several notable figures, including Kit Carson, Billy the Kid, and the Buffalo Soldiers. During the Civil War, it was briefly held by Confederate troops before being recaptured by Union forces.
In 1899, the fort was converted into a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, primarily Merchant Marines and military personnel. At that time, tuberculosis was a deadly and incurable disease, and the dry, sunny climate of New Mexico was thought to be beneficial for patients. Over the years, the hospital expanded and modernized, becoming one of the largest and most advanced facilities of its kind in the country.
However, life at the hospital was far from easy for the patients. Many endured painful and experimental treatments, such as pneumothorax, thoracoplasty, and lobectomy. Some patients died from the disease or complications of surgery, while others took their own lives or were killed by fellow patients. The hospital cemetery contains over 1,500 graves, many unmarked or bearing only numbers.
The Hauntings of Fort Stanton Hospital
Given its history of suffering and death, it’s no wonder Fort Stanton Hospital is considered one of the most haunted places in New Mexico. Visitors and staff have reported numerous paranormal phenomena, including cold spots, strange noises, apparitions, and poltergeist activity. Some of the most common sightings include:
- A ghostly nurse who roams the halls and checks on patients. She is believed to be Julia Staab, the wife of a wealthy merchant who died of tuberculosis at the hospital in 1925. Described as friendly and helpful, she is also very protective of her domain.
- A phantom soldier who patrols the grounds and salutes visitors. Thought to be Captain Henry Wright, who was killed in a duel with a doctor at the fort in 1862, he is said to be loyal and respectful, but also very strict and demanding.
- A shadowy figure who lurks in the basement and attacks the unwary. Believed to be a former patient who was violent and psychotic, and who was confined to a padded cell in the basement, he is described as angry and aggressive, causing scratches, bruises, and bites on his victims.
The Future of Fort Stanton Hospital
Despite its haunted reputation, Fort Stanton Hospital is still operational today, although with a reduced population of about 200 involuntary patients placed there through civil court commitment actions. To address overcrowding, a new facility in Galen was opened in 2024.
The old hospital is now part of the Fort Stanton Historic Site, which includes a museum, a visitor center, and several restored buildings. The site is open to the public, offering guided tours, special events, and educational programs. However, some areas of the hospital are off-limits to visitors, either for safety reasons or to respect the privacy of current patients.
Fort Stanton Hospital reflects the complex history and mystery of New Mexico. It’s a place where the living and the dead coexist, where the past and present collide. It fascinates and frightens, challenges and inspires. Without a doubt, it remains one of the creepiest places in the state.