About Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Standing atop a secluded hill in southwest Louisville, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most famous abandoned structures in North America. Spanning over five stories and designed in impressive Tudor Gothic architecture, the main building once served as a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to treating patients suffering from the devastating outbreak of tuberculosis, commonly known as the White Plague, in the early to mid-20th century.
Today, Waverly Hills is celebrated both as a preserved historical monument and a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts worldwide. Visitors can explore its colossal hallways, view the iconic open-air patient porches, and experience the infamous body chute (a 500-foot underground tunnel originally built to transport supplies and later used to discreetly transport deceased patients). Whether you are drawn by a fascination with medical history, architectural preservation, or ghosthunting lore, stepping onto the grounds of Waverly Hills offers an unforgettable and deeply evocative experience.
History
The story of Waverly Hills began in 1910 when a two-story wooden hospital opened on the site to accommodate roughly 40 tuberculosis patients. As the epidemic worsened in Jefferson County, local authorities expanded the facility, culminating in the construction of the massive 5-story brick and stone building that stands today, which opened in August 1926 with a capacity of over 400 patients.
During its operation as a sanatorium, medical professionals utilized the best treatments available at the time, which heavily emphasized fresh air, sunlight, proper nutrition, and rest. Patients spent hours on open-air verandas even during icy winters. For severe cases, experimental surgeries such as thoracoplasty were performed. Following the discovery and widespread use of streptomycin in the late 1940s and 1950s, tuberculosis cases rapidly declined, leading to the hospital's closure in 1961.
The facility was later reopened in 1962 as Woodhaven Medical Services, a geriatric facility, which operated until its official closure by the state in 1981. After decades of abandonment, vandalism, and property transfers, the site was purchased by private owners dedicated to restoring the building and preserving its historical significance through public tours and events.