Blog 4: Past and Present

            The aspect of Ohio University/Athens history that I find very interesting is that of The Ridges. The Ridges was known previously as the Athens Lunatic Asylum when it opened in 1874, and being changed to its current name after Ohio University began taking ownership of parts of the hospital throughout the 1980s. The last patients left the institution in 1992. While The Ridges was still open many of the patients that went into it also died there. There are still cemeteries that remain on the grounds today. When someone died while in the care of the hospital they were given a small stone with their patient number on them, which was used for their tombstone. Few stones were later replaced that included the patient’s name, which was done by their descendants.

                       

The cemeteries, along with the buildings that make up The Ridges, are known to be haunted. The patients that died here are said to haunt the grounds. People who have explored The Ridges have reported hearing voices of patients crying from pain. They believe these cries to be from the horrible treatments that were administered, such as lobotomies.

     

The history of The Ridges and the legends that surround it has captured the curiosity of many people, not only in Athens and Ohio University, but also around the world. Many students at one time or another during their time attending Ohio University visit The Ridges to see if the legends are true. For over 100 years The Ridges have been a well-known part of history in Athens.

Tremblay, Craig. Guide to Ohio University Ghosts & Legends. [S.l.]: Lulu, 2007. Print.