Cresson, Pennsylvania is known for being a beautiful community situated in the Alleghany Mountains.

Should you travel east down Old Route 22 for one mile, you will reach the breathtaking Cresson Mountain.

At the summit of Cresson Mountain stands a massive complex of abandoned and ominous buildings.

You’ve just made your way to one of the most storied sites in Pennsylvania, Cresson State Sanatorium!

In 1911, Dr. Samuel G. Dixon received 500 acres of donated land in which to build the Cresson State Tuberculosis Sanatorium (also known as Allegheny Tuberculosis Sanatorium).

The first patients were admitted in December 1912, with construction ongoing until 1916. The official opening date was in December of 1913.

By the early 1920’s, a significant number of patients had recovered from tuberculosis, and took key positions at the sanatorium, with some of them undergoing a nursing school program on the grounds that lasted from 1919 to 1952.

Children were admitted to the sanatorium for treatment as early as 1915, and an entire department devoted to children’s care existed until 1950, when it was converted into a general hospital area for adults.

During the sanatorium era, a morgue existed to house those who feel victim to tuberculosis. Tunnels were used to transport the dead away from the view of others, and to stack bodies when the morgue became filled to capacity. Many of these bodies were eventually placed into an on-site incinerator.

In June of 1956, the site became the Lawrence Flick State Hospital (also known as Allegheny State Hospital), which was a psychiatric center that focused on those suffering from mental retardation and illness. Criminally insane

The site was renamed to Allegheny State School and Hospital in 1964, and Cresson Center in 1970. Cresson Center ceased operation in December 1982. The buildings sat unused for a few years, holding only the memories of those who had passed through its walls and taken residence inside its buildings.

In 1984, the site was renovated to become a medium security prison facility for men known as SCI-Cresson. This facility opened in 1987. Serial Killer Joseph Kallinger was housed on suicide watch for 11 years until passing on March 26, 1996. Murderer John Du Pont was housed until dying in 2010.

SCI-Cresson officially closed on June 30, 2013, amid allegations of many mysterious deaths and lawsuits. The property was then placed for sale, where it eventually landed in the possession of the current owners, who use the grounds and some buildings for a variety of agricultural projects and events.

Not only is Cresson State Sanatorium one of the largest properties you’ll ever investigate, but it is also one of the most haunted!

The maximum-security area held some offenders who were considered the very worst of the worst. As you stand in one of the two cell blocks, you can feel the negative energies of some who were locked inside. Equipment has been known to malfunction or become damaged. Perhaps you’ll get a glimpse of the dark energy that may be responsible for physical attacks against those who dare to enter.

Grace Chapel stood as a beacon for love and light in a location that could often be full of darkness and despair. As you sit on one of the antique wooden pews, you can think of those who came in looking for redemption or a miracle. Be sure to look and listen closely for spirits of the past who have stories to tell.

As you enter the halls of the “End of Life” building, you’ll soon discover that you may not be walking alone. Many shadows are known to move around the corridors, watching all who dare to enter this former haven of those near death. You may also be greeted by the voices or perfume of those who calls this building home during it’s use as a nurses’ residence prior to serving as last stop for the terminally ill.

Majestically standing at the entrance to Cresson State Sanitorium is the Maple building. This looming structure was built as a children’s residence for those with parents suffering from tuberculosis. This building later became an adult general hospital before its final use as a schoolhouse. While alone in these ominous hallways, prepare yourself for the spirits that may fully show themselves to you.

The basement of the Maple building holds a former morgue and an entrance to the tunnel heading toward the original Sanatorium building. Many spirits from the sanatorium area are known lurk and travel this pathway, along with a terrifying dark energy. Brace yourself for any encounter you may have and quickly find the tunnel entrance into Grace Chapel if you find yourself in need of a quick escape.

Cresson State Sanatorium is an incredibly massive, exponentially haunted location. With more than a hundred years of history and varied use as a tuberculosis sanatorium, state hospital for the mentally disabled and insane, and medium security prison, these buildings hold dark stories of intense disease, violence, abuse, and death. Are you the one who gets told a story or will be able to hear their cries?

Join us for a night at Cresson State Sanatorium…The clock is ticking and let’s see how long you last!