Hidden in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania sits a truly frightening structure.

This two-story building holds the secrets of more than 150 years of brutal treatment and tragic death.

It’s time to pack your bags and head inside the nightmare that is The Greene County Poor Farm!

The Greene County Poor Farm was originally built as a house by the Rinehart family in 1857. In 1861 Greene County acquired the house and a large piece of property for use as the Greene County Poor Farm. The house was expanded to include a two-story wing and a roadway was approved to run in front of the poor farm.

On June 2, 1862 Issac Pipes became the first resident of the poor farm. Pipes was 40 years old and his reason for admission was listed as being crippled. By the end of 1862, the total number of residents rose to 84. Many of these residents were admitted to the poor farm for reasons such as being old, insane, blind, feeble-minded, inbred, demented, or having convulsions. Poor or impoverished persons were rarely admitted t the poor farm. The poor farm served the same purpose that asylums later would.

The poor farm became so crowded that attic space was converted into dormitory-style living. This led to an article written in 1881 by Mr. Ourt for the Monthly Atlantic which reflected poorly on the living conditions inside the poor farm. The results of this article saw a new wing constructed in 1886.

This new wing contained two-floors and a basement of rooms and resulted in the 1861 wing being converted into a large dining area. This was also the time in which William B. Cage became steward of the poor farm.

The Waynesburg Republican contained several articles about William B. Cage through the 1880’s and 1890’s. These articles portrayed Cage as a cruel and sadistic being who subjected the residents of the poor farm to inhumane treatment. William B. Cage was said to throw parties that resulted in the residents only being allowed to eat whatever scraps were left over.

Cage was also accused of chaining residents up inside basement rooms while leaving them to starve, making them bathe in a creek behind the poorhouse during frigid winter months, beating residents with a cane, and even staffing the kitchen with a blind chef so that food was usually undercooked and filled with flies.

An article written in 1890 contained firsthand accounts from residents which detailed multiple instances of abuse. However, these residents soon disappeared from the rolls of the poor house. Upon the article being published, public scrutiny led to William B. Cage being removed from the poor farm, in which he returned to private life and died at the age of 78 in 1914.

A new kitchen was built for use by the residents in the early 1900’s. Living conditions vastly improved and residents who were transferred wrote letters begging to return to what was then known as “The Green Hills Farm”.

By the early 1960’s, the poor house transitioned into a retirement home. After being replaced by the Curry Home across the street, the former poor farm sat vacant until 1971. The former poor farm was then taken over by The Greene County Historical Society, where they have operated a museum ever since.

The Greene County Poor Farm is one of the most haunted buildings in southwestern Pennsylvania. More than 100 years of horrific history has left an energy that can be felt by all who dare walk the haunted halls of this structure.

Take a trip down to the basement that served more as a dungeon, where you’ll encounter the original chains that were used on residents as a form of torture.

Listen closely, and you may hear the screams and moans of the souls who can’t seem to leave. You may also hear the ghostly footsteps above your head, where no living person is present.

Walk around the second floor, where many have claimed to feel unwelcome, some have been touched, and those who bring trigger objects have seen them react to the negative energy that lingers.

Perhaps you may encounter the unsettled spirit of William B. Cage, who so loved torturing others that his spirit returned upon his death.

Spend a few minutes in the kitchen, where you’ll find an oven that relates to an incredibly tragic tale. You may just hear the faint cries of a child or feel the presence of a mother who made the decision to place her baby in the oven for warmth.

Join us for what may be one of the most terrifying nights of your life. The Green County Poor Farm is historic, haunted, and waiting for you!