The history of the Fairfield County Infirmary in Lancaster, Ohio, is a chronicle of a community's response to poverty and misfortune, evolving from a poorhouse into a site of modern-day historical and paranormal interest.

Its stories are etched into the very bricks of the building and the soil of its grounds.

From Poorhouse to Infirmary (1828–1985)

The infirmary's history began in 1828 when Fairfield County constructed a simple wooden building to serve as a poorhouse.

This facility was created to house and care for individuals who were unable to support themselves, including the destitute, the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled, and orphans.

This replaced an earlier system where the care of the poor was contracted out to the lowest bidder.

By 1840, the original wooden structure was no longer adequate and was replaced by a substantial brick building, which still stands today.

This main structure was expanded in 1865 to accommodate a growing number of residents.

The institution operated as a self-sufficient community with a farm, which provided food and a source of income.

For over 150 years, the Fairfield County Infirmary was more than a building; it was a last resort for a community's most vulnerable.

The residents, often referred to as "paupers" in early records, were a diverse group, each with a unique and often tragic story.

They included:

• The Elderly and Infirm: Many were elderly individuals who had no family or means of support. The infirmary was their final home, a place to live out their last years.

• The Mentally Ill: Before modern psychiatric hospitals, the mentally ill were often confined to poorhouses and infirmaries. The Fairfield County Infirmary had wards specifically for the "insane," where they were often isolated and subjected to rudimentary and often inhumane treatments.

• Orphans: The infirmary housed orphaned children who had no other place to go. They were given basic care and education until they could be placed with foster families or find employment.

• Unwed Mothers and Contagious Patients: Women without family support who were pregnant and those with diseases like tuberculosis and smallpox were also housed there, isolated from the rest of society.

At its peak in 1903, the infirmary housed 82 residents. The living conditions could be harsh, and reports of mistreatment and abuse by staff were not uncommon in its early years.

In 1917, gas lines were installed for heating and lighting, and in 1926, the building finally received indoor plumbing, though electricity wouldn't be added until 1958.

Perhaps the most somber chapter of the infirmary's history lies in its cemetery.

It is the final resting place for over 1,200 people, most of whom were buried without a headstone or proper identification.

The graves were marked only with simple fieldstones or wooden planks that have long since rotted away.

These burials are a testament to the lives lived and lost in destitution, and their stories are largely unknown.

The cemetery itself is now a field, with the graves of the early superintendents being the only ones marked with proper monuments.

Closure and Repurposing

The number of residents at the infirmary gradually dwindled over the decades, particularly after the establishment of social safety nets like Social Security.

The facility eventually closed its doors in May 1985, with the remaining 16 residents being moved to other local nursing or foster homes.

After its closure as an infirmary, the building was renovated and reopened in 1986 to serve as county offices, a function it maintained for several years.

It was during this period that it was renamed the Clarence E. Miller Building.

The building was finally vacated in 2013, remaining abandoned until a private owner purchased it for historical preservation.

• Unfettered Access: Traverse the Infirmary's most active and often unseen areas throughout the entire night, maximizing your chances of an encounter.

• Expert Guidance Through the Gloom: Our seasoned paranormal investigators will be your compass in the darkness, sharing their knowledge and demonstrating effective evidence-gathering techniques.

• Become the Ghost Hunter: Arm yourself with state-of-the-art equipment – EMF meters, spirit boxes, thermal imagers, and more – and learn to interpret the subtle signs of paranormal activity during the extended hours.

• Intimate Investigations: Small, focused groups will allow for a more personal and intense experience, fostering a greater connection with the environment and any potential entities.

• Unraveling the History, Understanding the Haunting: We'll delve into the Infirmary's poignant past, illuminating the lives and experiences that may have left an indelible mark on the building's energy.

• Sustenance for the Soul (and Body): Refreshments will be available throughout the long night to keep your senses sharp and your energy levels stable.

• Sanctuary for the Weary: Designated rest areas will be provided for those moments when you need to gather your courage or simply take a break from the spectral pursuit.

Apparitions That Refuse to Rest

The spirits of the infirmary's lost residents do not merely linger; they walk the halls.

Visitors have recounted countless encounters with apparitions, each tied to a specific tragedy:

• The "Woman in White": A fragile, luminous figure is seen drifting aimlessly on the upper floors. She is believed to be a patient who died from a lingering, painful illness, her spirit forever searching for a relief that never came.

• The Child Spirits: The quiet, echoing spaces of the old nursery and orphanage are the most heart-wrenching. The sound of children's laughter and the pitter-patter of tiny feet echo in the emptiness, followed by an abrupt, unnatural silence. Investigators have reported the feeling of a small, cold hand reaching for theirs in the darkness.

• The Phantom Caretaker: An intense, malevolent presence is felt in the basement. It is said to be the ghost of a brutal caretaker from the past. Visitors to the area often feel an unshakeable sense of dread and have reported being violently shoved by an unseen force.

The Voices of the Forgotten

The most unsettling aspect of the infirmary is its refusal to remain silent.

The air crackles with what investigators call Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs), whispered pleas and guttural screams captured on audio recorders that defy all logical explanation.

Voices from the Void whisper words like "Get out" and "Help me," a chilling dialogue from a place between worlds.

The sheer volume of these experiences—the sudden, paralyzing cold spots, the fleeting shadows that dart just at the edge of your vision, and the unnerving sensation of being watched—has cemented the Fairfield County Infirmary's place not just in history, but in the realm of the truly terrifying.

It is a place where the past is not just remembered; it is alive.

• Date: Various Dates

• Time: 8:30 PM - 4:00 AM (Please arrive by 8:00 PM for registration)

• Location: Fairfield County Infirmary, 1587 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130, United States

• Your Commitment: $129 per person (Limited capacity – secure your overnight experience promptly!)

• Age Requirement: 18 years or older.

• What to Bring: Sturdy, comfortable footwear for hours of exploration, multiple warm layers (nights in old buildings can be cold!), a reliable flashlight, any personal paranormal investigation equipment you trust. Crucially, bring a sleeping bag or camping mat for comfort in designated rest areas during the overnight duration.

• Important Disclaimer: This is a demanding event, both physically and emotionally. The Infirmary is an aged structure with potential hazards. Participants acknowledge and accept all risks involved in entering and investigating the premises overnight. We are not responsible for any personal injury or loss of personal belongings.

Embark on an Unforgettable Overnight Journey into the Paranormal Heart of Fairfield County Infirmary. Book Your Experience Now.