Ashmore Estates: One of Illinois' Most Haunted Places

Ashmore Estates has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Illinois, and after digging into its history, it's not hard to understand why!

Haunted Places in Illinois

Now that Halloween is just days away, I'm on a haunted places kick.

I may not be brave enough to explore a notoriously haunted building for myself, but I sure do love reading about them from the safety of my couch and home office.

When it comes to haunted places in Illinois, there are plenty of contendors, but the building that tops many of those "most haunted" lists is Ashmore Estates in Ashmore, Illinois.

The History of Ashmore Estates

Ashmore Estates has a history that goes back much further than its reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

According to the property's official history, the building now known as Ashmore Estates was constructed in 1916 as a new almshouse for the Coles County Poor Farm. These facilities provided shelter for the poor and people who were unable to care for themselves.

The property had been used as a poor farm for decades, and the conditions at the original almshouse weren't exactly what you'd call welcoming. Early reports described horrendous problems describe horrendous problems with vermin, poor ventilation, flies all over food, and more.

In 1959, the county sold the property and it became a private psychiatric hospital known as Ashmore Estates. The facility served people transferred from state mental institutions until it closed in the mid-1980s.

The grounds of Ashmore Estates have seen horrible conditions, deaths, mental health cases, and years of abandonment. which sounds like the perfect recipe for creepy stories to develop.

Why Do People Call Ashmore Estates One of Illinois' Most Haunted Places?

So, what makes Ashmore Estates so creepy?

A former poor farm and psychiatric facility isn't exactly the setting for a shiny, happy story. And paranormal encounters? Ashmore Estates has plenty of those to share

Over the years, visitors and paranormal investigators have reported hearing strange noises, encountering shadowy figures, and experiencing activity they couldn't easily explain.

One of the most infamous legends about Ashmore Estates involves a little girl named Elva Skinner who reportedly died in a fire at the original almshouse and still roams the halls of Ashmore Estates today.

Paranormal Investigations at Ashmore Estates

The haunted legends of Ashmore Estates have drawn many paranormal investigators to the property. It has also provided the setting for horror films and television shows including Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters.

These days, Ashmore Estates is open for public and private tours, including overnight paranormal investigations for those that are brave enough. (For the record, I am definitely NOT!)

Here's one upcoming tour that definitely sounds fascinating, but too scary for me:

For more information about touring Ashmore Estates or to learn more about its long history, visit ashmoreestates.net.