Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Gothic sanatorium in Louisville, United States
Description
The five-story Tudor-style medical facility spreads across a hilltop setting, containing extended corridors and multiple patient wings specifically designed for tuberculosis treatment. Large verandas allowed patients access to fresh air as part of the therapeutic approach.
History
Constructed in 1910 to address tuberculosis spreading through Louisville, the hospital underwent expansion in 1926 to accommodate 400 patients and remained operational until closing in 1961. During its peak years, approximately 60,000 patients died from the disease at this location.
Culture
The former sanatorium preserves documents and objects from the tuberculosis epidemic era, maintaining detailed patient records and medical equipment that illustrate treatment methods during the first half of the 20th century. Today it serves as a memorial to the history of infectious disease management.
Practical
The building offers guided historical tours throughout the year with advance reservations required. Special access occurs during October for Halloween events. The site is located approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of downtown Louisville and is accessible by car.
Did you know?
A 500-foot (152-meter) tunnel extends from the hospital to the base of the hill, used to transport deceased patients discreetly so living patients would not see them and become demoralized. This passageway is known as the body chute or death tunnel.
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