The Ghosts of Randolph County Infirmary: Forgotten Souls Still Roam



On the outskirts of Winchester, Indiana, sits a building that time has refused to forget, the Randolph County Infirmary. Also known to some as the Randolph County Asylum, this imposing structure has stood since 1899, serving for decades as a home for the county’s most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Today, the building no longer houses the living, but according to countless witnesses and investigators, it may still shelter the souls of those who lived—and died within its walls. The Randolph County Infirmary has earned a chilling reputation as one of Indiana’s most haunted locations, a place where echoes of the past refuse to stay silent.

A History Written in Suffering

The infirmary was part of a broader American tradition of "poor farms" facilities meant to house those who couldn’t care for themselves. Residents included the homeless, the mentally ill, the physically disabled, and the elderly without family support. Life at the infirmary was often harsh. Records show that disease, despair, and death were common companions. Some died of natural causes; others, from mental health crises or tragic accidents. It's believed that hundreds of deaths occurred on the property over the decades, many of them unceremoniously buried nearby in unmarked graves.

Given its history steeped in hardship, it’s little wonder that many believe the building holds onto the energy of its former residents.

Spirits That Refuse to Leave

Reports of paranormal activity at Randolph County Infirmary are abundant and chillingly consistent.

Apparitions are frequently seen wandering the halls, particularly at night. Visitors describe shadow figures darting from room to room, and full-bodied ghosts that vanish when approached. One of the most commonly sighted spirits is that of an elderly man, sometimes seen sitting in a chair by one of the building’s large windows, gazing out as if waiting for someone who never came.

Children's laughter has also been reported, especially near the second floor. Despite no living children residing there today, investigators have recorded EVPs capturing the faint sounds of playful giggling and even toys moving on their own.

Disembodied voices, cries, and moans are common, often heard echoing down empty corridors. Some visitors have even been physically touched, feeling unseen hands tugging at their clothing or brushing against their skin.

The Infamous Basement

As with many haunted locations, the basement of the infirmary is a hotspot of intense activity. Some believe darker, more aggressive entities lurk there. People report being overcome with sudden fear or nausea, hearing deep growls, and experiencing equipment malfunctions. A few investigators even claim to have seen shadowy figures with no discernible human form—things that slither just beyond the reach of flashlights.

Theories suggest that the basement might have been used to house residents who were considered particularly troubled or dangerous, which could explain the lingering heavy energy.

Paranormal Investigations and Public Access

Today, the Randolph County Infirmary welcomes paranormal investigators, ghost hunters, and curious visitors eager to experience its mysteries firsthand. Overnight tours and ghost hunts are offered, and almost every group leaves with chilling stories and sometimes even evidence of their encounters.

Thermal imaging has captured figures unseen to the naked eye, while EVP sessions have yielded voices that answer direct questions. Shadow figures are often caught on video, and doors are known to slam or creak open by themselves. Yet despite all the terrifying phenomena, many believe not all the spirits are malevolent. Some seem lost, confused, or simply attached to the only home they ever knew.

Final Thoughts

The Randolph County Infirmary stands as a monument to a forgotten chapter of American history, marked by compassion, suffering, and sometimes, neglect. The living may have moved on, but for those who once found shelter there, the walls continue to tell their stories. If you visit, tread carefully and listen closely. You just might hear the whispers of the past calling out from the shadows.