Haunting History of Ashmore Estates

Ashmore Estates, built in 1916 as part of the Coles County Poor Farm, has a grim past steeped in tragedy and sorrow. Originally an almshouse for the poor, mentally ill, and destitute, it later served as a private psychiatric hospital from 1959 to 1986. Over its years, the facility housed countless individuals, many of whom faced deplorable conditions—vermin-infested walls, poor ventilation, and inadequate care. At least 32 deaths were recorded by 1879, with many buried in a pauper cemetery on the grounds, containing 60 to 100 graves.

The estate’s dark history fuels its reputation as a paranormal hotspot. Visitors report chilling encounters, including ghostly apparitions, disembodied footsteps, and tortured moans echoing through the corridors. One frequently sighted spirit is Joe Bloxom, believed to be a former resident who was fatally struck by a train and limped back to the estate before succumbing to his injuries.…