Abandoned Central State Hospital: Drone Footage and Haunting History

For the best viewing experience, please ensure your YouTube settings are adjusted to the highest quality available. This will enhance the clarity and detail of our drone footage, allowing you to fully appreciate the haunting beauty and intricate details of Central State Hospital. High-definition viewing will provide the most immersive and visually stunning experience, capturing the essence of this historic site. Thank you for watching, and we hope you enjoy the journey through the history of Central State Hospital.

Join Mikey's Aerial Squad as we explore the eerie remnants of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, once the world's largest mental institution. This video captures stunning drone footage and delves into the rich, often troubling history of this sprawling complex.

Established in 1837, the hospital opened in 1842 as the Georgia Lunatic Asylum. By the late 19th century, it had grown to accommodate thousands of patients, including notable buildings like the Walker Building, constructed in 1886, and the Jones Building, erected in the 1920s for psychopathic care. The Powell Building, named after Superintendent Theophilus O. Powell, was the administrative heart, housing up to 13,000 patients at its peak.

The mid-20th century saw controversial treatments such as lobotomies, insulin shock therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. Living conditions were harsh, with overcrowding and reports of abuse and neglect. In 2007, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into 42 suspicious deaths led to significant reforms.

Cedar Lane Cemetery, where many grave markers are not located where the bodies were actually buried, highlights the ongoing efforts to re-identify remains. The hospital also housed many notable patients, including Anjette Lyles and Howard Brackett.

By the late 20th century, the hospital declined due to budget cuts and new mental health facilities across Georgia. Today, parts of the hospital remain operational for specific purposes, such as the Payton Cook Building for forensic inpatient care.

The Renaissance Park project aims to transform the campus into a multi-use facility, balancing historical preservation with new developments. At its peak, Central State Hospital was a city within a city, ending racial segregation in 1921 but continuing to face racial tensions. Patients worked on an 800-acre farm, providing food and job skills. The hospital's reputation was so pervasive that "Milledgeville" became synonymous with insanity in Georgia.

The Powell Building's facade offers a unique architectural optical illusion, and the campus includes a train depot being repurposed. The Jones Building served as a filming location for popular culture, adding to the site's intriguing history. The grounds host events like the April Fools Bike Ride and the Thriller 5K.

Today, Central State Hospital stands as a testament to the evolution of mental health care in America, marked by hope, progress, despair, and tragedy. As preservation efforts continue, we are reminded of the importance of compassionate and humane treatment for all individuals with mental health needs. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the life of Central State Hospital.

Background Music Credit:
Emotional Piano Improvisation by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | creatorchords.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/