Perched on a hill overlooking the New River in Radford, Virginia, St. Albans Sanatorium stands as one of the most notoriously haunted locations in the state. Originally built as a boys’ school in the late 19th century, the facility was later transformed into a psychiatric hospital in the early 20th century. Its dark and tragic history, combined with decades of reported ghost sightings and paranormal activity, has cemented its reputation as a hotspot for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.

From the tortured souls of former patients to the lingering presence of those who died during its earlier years, St. Albans Sanatorium is said to be home to a multitude of spirits. The building’s long history of suffering and death seems to have left an unshakable mark on the atmosphere, creating a chilling environment where ghosts and unexplained phenomena abound.

A History of Tragedy and Transformation

St. Albans began as a prestigious boys’ school in 1892, built under the direction of educator George W. Miles. The school was known for its strict discipline and competitive academic environment. However, behind the façade of elite education, there were reports of bullying, abuse, and tragic student suicides. These incidents may have laid the foundation for the building’s haunted reputation, with many believing that the spirits of students who met tragic ends still roam its halls.

In 1916, the building was repurposed as a sanatorium for the mentally ill. At the time, psychiatric care was far from humane, with patients often subjected to experimental treatments, including electroshock therapy, lobotomies, and hydrotherapy. The facility quickly gained a reputation for its harsh conditions and questionable medical practices. St. Albans became known as a place of suffering, where many patients were left to languish in isolation. Over the decades, countless individuals died within its walls, and their spirits are said to haunt the building to this day.

The Shadow Figures in the Hallways

One of the most commonly reported paranormal phenomena at St. Albans Sanatorium is the sighting of shadowy figures in the hallways. Visitors and paranormal investigators alike have described seeing dark, human-shaped shadows moving quickly through the abandoned corridors, only to disappear when approached. These shadow figures are often spotted in the lower levels of the building, particularly near the basement and the boiler room.

Some believe these shadow figures are the restless spirits of former patients who died during their time at St. Albans, still trapped in the hospital that once confined them. Others speculate that these figures could be the remnants of staff members, such as nurses and orderlies, whose energy has lingered long after their physical presence has faded. The sightings are typically accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread or being watched, adding to the eerie atmosphere that pervades the sanatorium.

One particularly chilling report comes from a group of ghost hunters who were exploring the sanatorium at night. As they walked through one of the long, empty hallways, they saw a tall, shadowy figure at the far end of the corridor. Thinking it was one of their team members, they called out, but the figure quickly vanished into thin air. When they regrouped, they realized that no one else had been in that part of the building at the time.

The Screams in the Basement

The basement of St. Albans Sanatorium is infamous for its intense paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of screams echoing through the underground halls, despite the building being empty. These screams are often described as painful wails, as though someone is experiencing extreme physical or emotional torment. Given the nature of the treatments that were performed in the sanatorium, many believe these sounds could be tied to the patients who suffered through torturous procedures in the early 20th century.

In addition to the screams, some have reported hearing disembodied voices in the basement. These voices are often faint and indecipherable, but their presence is unmistakable. Investigators have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) in this area, with recordings of whispered phrases like “Help me” and “I’m not dead.” The basement, with its cold, damp atmosphere, is also home to reports of cold spots and sudden drops in temperature, often seen as signs of a spiritual presence.

In one spine-tingling experience, a volunteer helping with the restoration of the building was working alone in the basement when they heard the distinct sound of footsteps coming from behind them. When they turned, there was no one there. Moments later, they heard a low, guttural moan that echoed through the empty halls, sending them running for the stairs.

The Suicide Bathroom

One of the most infamous locations within St. Albans Sanatorium is the so-called “Suicide Bathroom,” where several patients are believed to have ended their lives during the hospital’s operation. The room has a particularly dark energy, and many visitors refuse to enter it due to the intense feeling of unease that seems to radiate from the space. People who have braved the room often report feeling a sudden pressure on their chest, as if something heavy is weighing them down.

The bathroom is also known for unexplained phenomena, including the sudden appearance of cold spots, flickering lights, and the sensation of being watched. Some paranormal investigators have claimed to see apparitions of patients in this room, often appearing briefly in mirrors or as reflections in the water. The intense activity in the Suicide Bathroom has made it one of the most popular stops on paranormal tours of the facility.

Residual Energy and Intelligent Hauntings

Paranormal investigators who have explored St. Albans believe the building is home to both residual and intelligent hauntings. Residual hauntings are thought to be echoes of past events, where emotional energy is imprinted on the environment, replaying like a loop. This might explain the phantom screams and shadowy figures, which seem unaware of the living.

However, there are also reports of intelligent spirits—entities that seem to interact with the living. Visitors have described being touched or pushed by unseen hands, and objects have been known to move on their own. Some have reported hearing their names whispered in their ears or feeling as though something is following them throughout the building. These experiences suggest that some spirits at St. Albans may be actively trying to communicate with the living, possibly seeking closure or simply trying to make their presence known.

Conclusion: A Place Where the Past Refuses to Rest

St. Albans Sanatorium is not just a relic of a bygone era; it is a place where the pain and suffering of the past seem to linger in the present. From the shadow figures seen in its hallways to the phantom screams heard in the basement, the building’s haunted reputation has only grown over the years. For those who visit, St. Albans offers more than just a history lesson—it provides a chilling encounter with the unseen forces that continue to roam its decaying corridors.