Hidden in the quiet countryside of Coles County, Illinois, Ashmore Estates stands as a relic of America’s often forgotten history. With its decaying brick facade and broken windows echoing stories from a bygone era, this foreboding building is more than just an abandoned structure—it’s a site steeped in mystery, human suffering, and perhaps, the paranormal. For lovers of ghost stories and seekers of all things haunted, Ashmore Estates isn’t just a destination; it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, urban explorer, or just curious about places where history collides with haunting, this is a location that belongs on your bucket list.
The History
The Poor Farm Era (1870–1916)
The story of Ashmore Estates begins in 1870 with the opening of the Coles County Poor Farm. In rural 19th-century America, poor farms were county-run facilities where the indigent population could live and work in exchange for food, shelter, and basic medical care. The original facility, located slightly east of where the current building stands, housed the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, and others who had fallen on hard times. Residents performed agricultural labor on the surrounding farmland to sustain the operation. Although functional in concept, these locations were often bleak and underfunded, and conditions were harsh. This era laid the groundwork for the institution’s later evolution—and its haunted reputation.
A New Facility Emerges (1916–1959)
In 1911, the original poor farm was deemed unfit by the State Board of Charities due to its deteriorating condition. Plans were made to upgrade the facilities, and in 1916, a new structure was completed on the current site. This reinforced concrete and brick building would later become known as Ashmore Estates. From 1916 to 1959, it served as housing for those who couldn’t care for themselves. During this time, the facility retained much of its poor farm function, but began evolving to meet changing social standards, including more attention to mental healthcare. Nevertheless, it was often criticized for overcrowding and a lack of basic cleanliness, with newspaper reports describing unpleasant scenes and questionable conditions.
The Private Sanitarium Years (1959–1986)
In 1959, Ashmore Estates was sold to Ashmore Estates, Inc., a private psychiatric care provider. The mission changed from a county-operated poor farm to a privately run psychiatric facility. The conversion included several modernizations to the interior, but the outside remained as foreboding as ever. Ashmore Estates functioned as both a long-term psychiatric hospital and a home for individuals with severe mental disabilities.
The facility operated until 1986 when a combination of stricter regulations, increasing medical costs, and allegations of inadequate care forced it to close its doors. During its 27-year run as a psychiatric facility, Ashmore Estates became a place of isolation, confusion, and sorrow for many of its residents. This chapter of its history is filled with controversy, subdued human drama, and, for some, unspoken traumas—fertile ground for tales of hauntings yet to come.
Abandonment and a Dark Reputation (1987–2006)
After closing in 1986, Ashmore Estates sat abandoned for nearly two decades. Nature began taking its toll, and acts of vandalism punctuated its slow decay. Local legends began swirling about the building being haunted, and ghost stories spread through nearby communities. The combination of derelict architecture and real tragic history made Ashmore a hotspot for urban explorers and thrill-seekers. During these years, the building became a beacon for curiosity seekers, some of whom claimed to witness unusual phenomena and strange sounds. It wasn’t long before Ashmore Estates solidified its status as one of the most haunted locations in Illinois.
Revival as a Paranormal Destination (2006–Present)
In 2006, new owners purchased the property with the aim of preserving it and opening it to the public as a haunted attraction. Over the years, the building changed hands multiple times, with each owner committed to restoring parts of the structure while maintaining its eerie aesthetic. Paranormal investigators soon took interest, and Ashmore Estates became a fixture in the ghost hunting community.
Today, Ashmore is available for guided tours, private investigations, and overnight paranormal experiences. It’s been featured in numerous television programs, including Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures and SyFy’s Ghost Hunters, elevating its reputation as a must-visit destination for any serious ghost hunter.
The Haunt
Ashmore Estates is widely regarded as one of the most active haunted locations in the Midwest. Reports of paranormal activity are abundant, varied, and spine-chilling. Many believe the energy imprinted in its walls stems from its era as both a poor farm and a psychiatric hospital—periods marked with suffering, neglect, and emotional turmoil.
Documented Paranormal Activity
- Apparitions: Several guests and paranormal teams have reported seeing full-body apparitions, often described as former residents. These spectral figures are mainly spotted near the staircases and former patient rooms.
- Disembodied Voices: EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) are frequently captured during investigations. Male and female voices, crying children, and even shouts have been recorded when no one else is present.
- Physical Interactions: Some investigators have reported being touched, shoved, or scratched during overnight stays. Cold spots are often felt even during the summer months, and equipment has been mysteriously tampered with by unseen forces.
- Shadow Figures: Shadowy masses and figures moving across hallways are one of the most reported phenomena. These are usually spotted near windows and doorways, often disappearing when approached.
- Unexplained Noises: Footsteps, banging doors, and dragging sounds are commonly reported—especially in the dead of night.
Haunted Hotspots Within Ashmore
- The Basement: Considered the most active area in the building, the basement is notorious for heavy feelings of dread, shadow figures, and strange mists. Some believe this is where the most tormented spirits linger.
- The Stairwell: Several individuals have claimed to see apparitions ascending and descending the stairs. Sudden drops in temperature and the feeling of being followed are also commonly reported here.
- Patient Rooms: Throughout the building, former patient rooms often hold residual energy. Investigators have set up trigger objects such as toys or tools and claim they move without explanation.
TV Appearances and Paranormal Investigations
Thanks to multiple appearances on popular paranormal shows like Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters, Ashmore Estates has reached legendary status. During these investigations, even seasoned investigators experienced unnerving activity—ranging from sudden technological malfunctions to personal encounters with what they described as “intelligent entities.”
Teams like Ghost Labs, Paranormal Lockdown, and independent YouTubers have all walked away from Ashmore with compelling evidence and chilling tales. For many, a single night in the building is enough to validate its reputation as a truly haunted location.
Conclusion: A Paranormal Playground Awaits
If you’re drawn to places where the veil between the physical and supernatural feels thin, Ashmore Estates should be at the top of your list. With its rich, often heartbreaking history and frequent recorded activity, it offers one of the most authentic haunted experiences in the Midwest. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or someone looking to experience something truly unique and unsettling, Ashmore welcomes those brave enough to walk its haunted halls.
The estate now hosts overnight paranormal investigations, group tours, and even public ghost hunts. Thanks to passionate preservationists, the building is accessible to the public while maintaining its eerie authenticity. But be warned—as many have found—once you enter Ashmore Estates, something may just come home with you.
Don’t just read about legends—go investigate them. Pack your voice recorders, infrared cameras, and EMF detectors, and take a step into one of Illinois’ darkest haunted sites. Ashmore Estates isn’t just a visit; it’s an encounter with history and the beyond.