Formerly known as the Mansfield Reformatory, the Ohio State Reformatory is one of the state’s most notoriously haunted places. The facility opened in the early 1900s but closed before the new century due to inhumane conditions. Countless tales of ghosts, paranormal spirits, and other chilling occurrences have been reported on the property, which is open to tours throughout the year. In fact, this abandoned prison might just be among the most haunted places on earth.
We’ve written about this infamous landmark several times, and for good reason. The stately Romanesque Revival landmark has quite a storied past.
Ohio State Reformatory / Google Designed by Cleveland architect Levi Scofield, the facility accepted its first inmates in 1896. At that time, it was supposed to serve as an “intermediary” facility, serving those too old for juvenile prison but whose crimes were too minor for the main Ohio Reformatory.
The goal of the Reformatory was just that – to reform. Those who were sentenced to the institution would receive religion, education, and a trade. If progress was shown in 18 months, prisoners could be released; otherwise, they would be sentenced to another 18 months.
Prasenjit Saha / Google
By the 1960s, conditions began to decline severely. The state took away its financial support and the facility was converted to a maximum security facility. Conditions were so horrible, in fact, that prisoners actually sued the state of Ohio.
Jane Zhao / Google The lawsuit was successful, and the facility closed its doors in 1990. In its place, a new, more modern facility would open nearby.
The Reformatory was abandoned for years until activists grouped together to purchase the building from the state.
Alyse Chernovol / Google
Today’s Ohio State Reformatory is maintained by the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society
David Cannon / Google The Reformatory is now one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing upwards of 120,000 visitors annually. It’s also home to the Ohio State Corrections History Museum.
One noteworthy the the landmark has served is the setting of Shawshank Redemption. In fact, it’s possible to take a special movie set tour of the grounds.
Bob Jensen / Google
What really puts the Reformatory on the map, however, is its paranormal activity. Without a doubt, the former prison is considered to be the single most haunted place in Ohio.
Jason Minosky / Google The facility offers several ghost hunts, both for novices and professionals. It’s believed that the horrible conditions, as well as the tragic mistreatment of inmates, are the reasons behind so much haunted activity. Some of the most famous locations include the former chapel, cell blocks, and, of course, solitary confinement.
Have you visited the Ohio State Reformatory? We’d love to hear all about your experiences there — haunted or otherwise! For more information about planning your visit, be sure to visit the official Ohio State Reformatory website.
Ohio State Reformatory / Google
Designed by Cleveland architect Levi Scofield, the facility accepted its first inmates in 1896. At that time, it was supposed to serve as an “intermediary” facility, serving those too old for juvenile prison but whose crimes were too minor for the main Ohio Reformatory.
Prasenjit Saha / Google
Jane Zhao / Google
The lawsuit was successful, and the facility closed its doors in 1990. In its place, a new, more modern facility would open nearby.
Alyse Chernovol / Google
David Cannon / Google
The Reformatory is now one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing upwards of 120,000 visitors annually. It’s also home to the Ohio State Corrections History Museum.
Bob Jensen / Google
Jason Minosky / Google
The facility offers several ghost hunts, both for novices and professionals. It’s believed that the horrible conditions, as well as the tragic mistreatment of inmates, are the reasons behind so much haunted activity. Some of the most famous locations include the former chapel, cell blocks, and, of course, solitary confinement.
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Address: The Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905, USA
