One of the aspects of exploring in the mid-Atlantic that I miss most is the abundance of large, multi-building state institutions. Those few that exist up here in the first place are largely still in use or repurposed. Naturally, I've had the craving lately, but as I started researching this place, there was nothing to indicate that it was at all a viable or interesting place to explore. I was happy to find that it is both.
I have been completely unable to find any other explorer's photos or videos of this place, and walking up to it, it's easy to see why. Every door and window up to the third floor is boarded up on every single building. There are no limitations to visitors walking around the campus, and I must have done several laps looking for any sign of a viable POE. I finally found a chink in the armor, and after squeezing through one of the smallest gaps I've ever used, I gained access to the admin building, chapel and several residential buildings.
This institution operated under several titles since its establishment in 1903. Originally founded as a school for "feeble minded" children, it became a state prison after the wider trend de-institutionalization forced its closure in the early 1990's. Visiting today, it's easy to see these layers of history: some parts are relatively modern and even have power, while others retain their early architecture and show far more severe decay. As familiar as I am with institutions like this, this one still had some really nice surprises in store, particularly the holding cells and some of the best patient/inmate art I've ever seen. It's a tough nut to crack, but an extremely worthwhile one.
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As always, thanks for looking!