Ghost hunting at The Old Mansfield Reformatory

by greg1usa | April 4, 2008 at 02:20 am | 97 views | add comment

Ghost hunting at the old Mansfield Reformatory is so popular that all dates for 2008 are almost sold out. The facility still holds the largest free standing cell block in the world at six tiers high.

Built between 1886 and 1910. The Reformatory remained in full operation until 1972 when it was completely closed down in 1990.

Part of the grounds and support buildings however, including the outer wall have been demolished since the closing. In 1995, the "Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society" was formed. They have turned the prison into a museum and conduct tours to help fund grounds rehabilitation projects and currently work to stabilize the buildings against further deterioration.

The Reformatory is believed to be haunted with several paranormal "hot spots" such as the two chapels, the area around the warden's office, the infirmary and solitary confinement.

Over 200 people died at Mansfield Reformatory, including a few guards who were killed during escape attempts.

The Reformatory gained fame when movies like Shawshank Redemption, Tango and Cash, Air Force One, were filmed there. There are a few Hollywood props still on the grounds.

Since its closure, rumors about spirits of tortured inmates who died in the prison filling the halls with restless energy, unable to escape the prison's bars. Other stories tell of guilty guards remaining trapped in the gruesome nightmare they created for the prisoners locked inside.

2008 Ghost Hunt Dates: