Waverly Hills Sanatorium is quite the historical landmark in Kentucky. Tales of terror, death, inhumane conditions, and suicide all stem from this property. The tales about 4400 Paralee Lane in Louisville began back in 1883, when a Major Thomas H. Hays purchased it. The original purpose was as a thriving farm and private school house for his daughters. The teacher named the newly built schoolhouse, Waverly School, after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley Novels. Major Hays liked it and bestowed the name Waverly Hills upon the property. Obviously, the name stuck.
A Tuberculosis epidemic overtook Louisville back in the early 1900s, and the city needed somewhere to put the chronically ill patients to prevent the fast spread of the disease. Thus, they approached Hays and plans for Waverly Hills Sanatorium took hold. Initially, a small 2 story building and 2 open air pavilions were built to house the early cases… but it just wasn’t enough. The city funded a larger facility in 1911, but by August 1912, the outbreak was so massive, the city began moving patients onto the Waverly grounds in tents.
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Fortunately, by December of 1912 a new wing opened in the facility for 40 more patients. In 1914, a children’s wing opened with beds for 50 TB-afflicted children, along with children of TB patients who had no other family to care for them. Unfortunately, there were many deaths due to the lack of space and medical knowledge during that time. Physicians had not yet discovered Tuberculosis was an air born disease, thus anyone in the close proximity of patients was becoming infected. Once that realization sunk in, Waverly became completely sustainable, having a post office, gardens, fruit trees, and a water source. If you became a patient at the Hill, you stayed at the Hill… but at least you got a room with a view and a bath.
1926 brought the opening of the large 5 story facility that still stands today. A 1500’ tunnel connected to the basement beneath the building was also constructed at that time. The tunnel would provide a private route to remove deceased patients from the facility. This new gothic style sanatorium housed more than 400 patients and experimented with a variety of treatments. Sunlight was initially thought to heal, so patients were laid or sat in the sun for hours. If that didn’t work, physicians moved on to surgical procedures, utilizing operating rooms with light fixtures like the one below.
The surgeries performed on the residents were horrific. Since putting patients to sleep was unheard of at this time, unfortunate victims underwent painful surgeries, such as Artificial Pneumothorax. This was the collapsing of a lung in hopes the holes caused by TB would heal. Another terrifying procedure was the Thoracoplasty, in which the patients were cut open in the front and the back. Doctors removed up to 8 ribs, but could only do 3 at a time, so it often took multiple procedures. Afterwards, a Lobectomy was performed in hopes of removing the damaged tissues. The patient was completely awake during each and every procedure, with only Morphine to numb the pain. Some of the residents eventually went mad, which should come as no surprise. Thus, Waverly had a special wing for the insane, ironically near the children’s area.
Traumatic surgeries and painful, questionable remedies continued for decades, with the stress even taking a toll on the medical staff. One nurse committed suicide, jumping from the tower, and several became ill. Finally, an antibiotic was discovered in 1944 that ended the TB reign. By 1961 Waverly Hills TB hospital had became a ghost town. It was closed, quarantined and renovated into Woodhaven Medical Services, which was a geriatric facility. Horrifying rumors and testimonies were given as to the torturous treatment of Woodhaven residents, including electrotherapy and electric shock therapy. Unfortunately, most patients had no family to complain too, so the torturous experiments continued until Woodhaven too closed its doors in 1981. Sadly, it was long after many accounts of unforgivable allegations regarding misconduct and mistreatment of patients.
Overall, it's estimated by Dr. J. Frank W. Stewart, a previous assistant Medical Director, that over 8000 people died on Waverly’s property, including worker suicides. It's assumed most deaths occurred during WWII, when sick soldiers were being transported in. Life was fleeting in the time of the White Plague. It was recorded there were so many dead bodies that food storage rooms were used to keep them cold till they could be removed via the Death Tunnel.
Waverly has been featured on the Travel Channel’s television program Ghost Hunters, as one of the most haunted hospitals in the United States. It has been on the ABC/FOX program Scariest Places on Earth, VH1’s Celebrity Paranormal Project, SyFy’s Ghost Hunters, Zone Reality’s, Creepy, British Show’s Most Haunted, along with the Travel Channel’s Paranormal Challenge. The documentary, Spooked, The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanatorium, premiered on SyFy in July 2006. The movie The Death Tunnel, released by Sony Pictures in 2006, is about Waverly Hills, and dedicated to those lost within its walls. However, Death Tunnel does not do the facility, nor does it provide Waverly’s ghosts true justice. This documentary or visiting the facility in person is far more interesting.
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Waverly Hills was purchased again in 2001, by paranormal enthusiasts Tina and Charles Mattingly and has since become a popular haunted attraction during Halloween. Tours can be scheduled year round, and currently plans are in the works to make Waverly a hotel. Would you want to stay the night at Waverly Hills?
The Story of This Abandoned Place in Louisville, Kentucky Is Truly Fascinating
The Ouerbacker-Clement House in Louisville's Russell neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and impressive ever built in the area. Families lived in the home until it became a tax business, which it stayed for 70 years. Once the business closed, the home was abandoned. It was rehabilitated into apartments by Oracle Design, which purchased the property in 2014.
Can you imagine one of the city's most beautiful, manicured homes abandoned? It may seem impossible that a thoughtfully designed and decorated mansion would be left completely empty with no one to live in or maintain it, but this is exactly what happened to the Ouerbacker-Clement House in Louisville, Kentucky. The mansion is located at 1633 West Jefferson Street in the Russell neighborhood. The story of how this stunning home became an abandoned relic with boarded-up windows is fascinating.
The Ouerbacker-Clement House, also known as the Ouerbacker House, was built in 1860 for George Moore, who sold it five years later to a steamboat captain, Alexander Gilmore. The home has a Richardsonian-Romanesque style. Homes in this style are often large, constructed of rough-cut stones or bricks, and have towers.
Gilmore lived in the home with his daughter and her husband, a well-known coffee merchant named Samuel Ouerbacker. In the 1890s, Gilmore hired two renowned architects, Arthur Loomis and Charles Clarke, to add a large and impressive facade to the front of the home. The Ouerbacker-Clement House is one of the area's most luxurious homes.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Reverand George Clement lived in the home. Clement was pastor of the Broadway Temple AME Zion Church. Clement's son, Rufus Clement, also lived there and was dean of the Louisville Municipal College. He eventually became the president of Atlanta University, which is now Clark Atlanta University.
The mansion eventually became a tax service business. It housed a tax business for 70 years until 2005, when, ironically, the city took over the property for unpaid taxes. In 2006, a fire damaged the property, and it fell into disrepair.
Many people tried to save the abandoned Ouerbacker-Clement House. This Old House magazine featured the home in 2008, and the Louisville Historical League put it on its list of "Top 10 Endangered Properties in Metro Louisville." An architect, Scott Kremer, formed a foundation to restore the property and utilize it to serve the community, but Kremer's vision didn't come to fruition, and he returned it to the city.
Kelly Carroll / Only In Your State
The city ultimately listed the Ouerbacker-Clement House for sale for $1. Oracle Design purchased the mansion in 2014 and breathed life into the abandoned home. Yes, the beautiful and historic home was saved! The rehabilitated and redeveloped mansion now serves as six apartments. This landmark property stands proudly as a case of successful historic preservation.
The Russell neighborhood is a bit west of downtown Louisville, giving it great access to attractions, museums, and restaurants downtown. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Kentucky Science Center are close by. Angel's Envy Distillery, Old Forrester Distilling Co., and Rabbit Hole Distillery are also in the area.
If you like to show your state pride, consider shopping with Wear Your Roots. The online retailer has fantastic apparel and accessories tailored to every state.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
