Ghosts of the Past: Fairfield County Infirmary’s Haunting Legacy Lives On

LANCASTER, OHIO — Nestled just beyond the quiet edges of Lancaster, in the rolling countryside of Fairfield County, stands a crumbling monument to the forgotten: the Fairfield County Infirmary. With its weathered red brick, narrow windows, and somber silhouette, this once-bustling poorhouse has transformed into one of Ohio’s most talked-about haunted destinations.

Though the structure officially closed its doors more than a decade ago, its eerie presence continues to draw attention from ghost hunters and history buffs across the country. TIP had a chance to investigate this location in August of 2025. Here is a bit of its history.

A Long and Storied Past

The origins of the infirmary trace back nearly two centuries. In 1828, Lancaster opened a modest wood-frame almshouse to care for the poor, elderly, infirm, and even those society deemed undesirable — including widows, orphans, and the mentally ill. As the population grew and the needs of the community changed, so too did the building.

By 1840, a more permanent brick structure was erected to replace the overcrowded original, setting the foundation for the institution that would serve Fairfield County for generations. Over time, the complex expanded, eventually boasting a farm, tenant houses, a laundry, and even a pauper's cemetery. At its peak in 1903, the facility housed 83 residents.

Throughout the 20th century, technological upgrades were made — gas lighting in 1917, indoor plumbing in 1926, and finally electricity in 1958. Despite declining numbers following the creation of Social Security, the infirmary remained operational until 1985, when it was briefly repurposed as county offices under the name Clarence E. Miller Building.

But in 2013, the doors closed for good — and that’s when the stories really began.

A Paranormal Hotspot

Since its closure, the Fairfield County Infirmary has become a magnet for paranormal investigators. It gained national attention following an appearance on the Travel Channel’s Destination Fear, and reports of ghost sightings and supernatural activity have only grown in number since.

Among the spirits believed to roam the halls is a figure known simply as “Willy”, often spotted wandering the second and third floors. Witnesses describe him as a restless presence, silently drifting down corridors or gazing out of windows as if searching for something long lost.

Another frequently sighted spirit is “Susie,” thought to be the ghost of a young girl. She's often seen near the infirmary’s former offices and the basement morgue. Visitors have described fleeting encounters — a glimpse of blonde hair, a small figure in a doorway — before she vanishes into thin air.

Perhaps the most tragic tale belongs to Jane Householder, a former resident who reportedly died in a fire after her clothing ignited near a gas stove. Now, Jane’s ghost is said to appear as an elderly woman in a long dress, silently wandering the halls where she once lived — and died.

Visitors often report disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and slamming doors. In the attic, many have experienced intense feelings of unease. Others have captured unexplained electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and encountered mysterious equipment failures while investigating the space.

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Unknown

After years of abandonment, the property was sold in 2020 and has since reopened for guided tours and paranormal investigations. While no longer serving as a shelter for the living, the infirmary has found a new purpose as a hotspot for those fascinated by the supernatural.

During an August 2025 investigation, the TIP paranormal team explored the historic Fairfield County Infirmary and documented a series of chilling experiences. Investigators captured numerous photos and audio recordings, including a clear EVP in which a female voice distinctly responded “No” when asked if she wished to communicate.

One team member reported a particularly unsettling physical reaction while standing on the second-floor ramp of the former men’s wing. She described the sensation as “hot pins” piercing across the small of her back — a discomfort that persisted for several minutes and abruptly ended once she left the area.

In addition to these experiences, the team recorded elevated activity with both REM pods and K-II EMF meters, suggesting an unusually high level of paranormal energy throughout the building.

And whether you're a skeptic or a believer, one thing is certain — the Fairfield County Infirmary is far from forgotten.

Planning a Visit?

The site now offers scheduled ghost hunts and tours, but availability fills quickly due to high demand. For those seeking a brush with history — and perhaps something more — the Fairfield County Infirmary promises an unforgettable experience.