Peoria State Hospital (Bartonville Asylum)

One of the most famously haunted places in the Midwest, this psychiatric hospital operated from 1902 to 1973. At its peak, over 2,000 patients lived here, many buried in unmarked graves on the grounds. Originally known as the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, it is now a historic district.

Peoria State Hospital, also known as Bartonville Asylum or the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, operated from 1902 to 1973 near Peoria. Under the enlightened supervision of Dr. George A. Zeller, the hospital pioneered humane treatment, eschewing straightjackets and harsh drug therapies in favor of a "cottage system" with 63 buildings across parklike grounds that included patient housing, a store, bakery, power station, and working farm.

The most famous ghost story involves Manuel "Old Book" Bookbinder, a beloved patient who worked in a printing house before his commitment. Unable to speak, staff never learned his real name, calling him simply "Old Book" or "A. Bookbinder" (as marked on grave 713 in the hospital cemetery). His unofficial duty became cemetery gravedigger, and after each burial service, he would lean against a large elm tree and weep for the deceased.

When Old Book died, his funeral was attended by hundreds of patients and staff—who all became witnesses to an extraordinary phenomenon. As workers attempted to lower what should have been a heavy casket, they found it inexplicably light. Suddenly, the sound of crying echoed from the Graveyard Elm. The entire assembly, including Dr. Zeller (who documented the event in his diary), turned to see Old Book standing by the tree. So certain were they of what they saw that Zeller ordered the casket opened. As the lid lifted, the crying ceased—and Old Book's body lay undisturbed inside.

The elm tree where Bookbinder wept began to wither and die. Work crews attempted to remove it multiple times but were scared off by moans emanating from within the wood. The tree eventually fell during a storm and was later struck by lightning, burning to the ground.

At its peak in the 1950s, the hospital housed 2,800 patients. After closure in 1973, the buildings stood abandoned until most were demolished. Today, only 12 of the original 63 structures remain. Bill Turner, who worked as an activity therapist from 1962-73, purchased a headstone for Old Book in 2006, inscribed: "In each death, he found great sorrow. He wept at each, passing tears for the unloved and forgotten. Now, Old Book, we weep for you."

The Peoria State Hospital Museum preserves the history and hosts paranormal tours on the haunted grounds.