In the 1800s, a man owned the ground where Waverly Hills stands today. He had a single daughter who received an education and expressed her desire to establish her school when she grew older. Her father built a small one-room schoolhouse on the hill and allowed her to teach local children. She named the building Waverly after her favorite author, thus giving Waverly Hills its name.
Around 1910, tuberculosis began to affect the area, prompting the construction of a hospital on the land previously owned by Colonel Hayes. The hospital outgrew its capacity within a few years and required additional additions. Initially, there were about 40 to 50 patients, but as tuberculosis became more prevalent, the number increased. In 1926, a state-of-the-art hospital was built to take advantage of cooling breezes. At the time, tuberculosis treatment focused on rest, proper nutrition, and fresh air. Waverly Hills became one of the pioneering hospitals in the southeastern United States and remained operational until the early 1960s. After the development of penicillin, the hospital transitioned into a senior facility for several years before closing in the early 1980s. Since then, it has remained largely vacant.
Waverly Hills is steeped in paranormal legends, with people believing that over sixty thousand people died there. However, reports of hauntings and unexplained activities have persisted over the years. Having investigated several reportedly haunted locations in Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana, I can confidently say that Waverly is the most active place I have ever experienced. At the same time, there are multiple haunted locations in Louisville. Waverly Hills Sanatorium is often considered the pinnacle of paranormal activity, regarded as one of the most haunted places in the United States, if not on Earth. However, experts dispute the claim of such a high death toll, estimating the number to be around 8,000 or 7,000 deaths over 20-30 years. Nevertheless, the debate continues, and a memorial site has been established to honor those who passed away at Waverly Hills. Although we have documented about 11,000 confirmed deaths, it is believed that there are many more unaccounted for.
I have witnessed eerie occurrences at Waverly Hills that have frightened me. Yet, regardless of one’s skepticism, seeing is believing. I have run out of the building countless times, only to gather the courage to return. While the building may not be blessed, numerous stories are associated with it, though their veracity remains uncertain. However, some stories have been verified. One famous tale involves Timmy, a young patient for whom a wing and rooftop balcony was constructed. Visitors can still see a swing set and balls left throughout the building believed to be moved by children playing, including Timmy’s spirit. Ralph is another figure, supposedly a former maintenance man at Waverly Hills. Visitors often hear sounds resembling footsteps and jingling keys attributed to Ralph. Room 502, where a nurse allegedly hanged herself while pregnant, is considered the most active area. Witnesses have reported seeing the apparition of a nurse in a hanging position and encountering typical nurse figures walking the corridors nearby. Sightings of nurses have been reported in other parts of the building as well, all attributed to the nurse who took her own life in that room.
Today, Waverly Hills Sanatorium holds a paranormal reputation and significant historical value as a legitimate landmark in the town. Mattingly’s recently acquired the property and deserved credit for saving the building. They conduct tours during Halloween and historical tours as well. In addition, they have stabilized the building, installed new windows, and are currently working with a local architect to transform it into a bed-and-breakfast or a similar establishment. The vision for the future of Waverly Hills involves maintaining the first floor for administrative purposes or retail venues. In contrast, the second, third, and fourth floors would be converted into a bed-and-breakfast. The fifth floor would house a restaurant, potentially even a rooftop restaurant, boasting a stunning view across the river to Caesars, providing a picturesque setting with a refreshing breeze.