Abandoned Veterans Hospital with Autopsy Theater

Abandoned Hospital Autopsy Theater — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

Founded back in 1851, this now abandoned veterans hospital complex was once the gem of the nations capitol, as it proudly served United States veterans of war for well over 150 years. Most veterans who entered the institution suffered from a wide host of physical and psychological conditions that developed as a result of their military service. The hospital, which consisted of a few different buildings, offered the first official sanctuary for the relief and support of invalid, disabled, and homeless veterans. The institution went on to serve tens of thousands of veterans who sought out treatment, sanctuary, and retirement.

Abandoned Autopsy Theater — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

Situated on almost 500 acres of rolling farm land and shady trees, the property has more than just the main hospital building. The complex included multiple buildings, including several veteran retirement homes and cottages, a training school, a mental asylum, an administration building, and of course the main hospital. The place offered veteran residents a sustainable place to live in dorm-style rooms with private bathrooms. They get all their meals and receive 24-hour medical care. Along with the golf course, there’s a bowling alley and art studios, a theater, a gym, two ponds stocked with fish, and even a bar, where residents got to drink for free.

Abandoned Hospital Bed — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

The veterans hospital was was founded in 1851, just a few years after United States troops routed their Mexican counterparts in the Mexican-American War. The US soldiers were paid money by the Mexican Government to not invade Mexico City, therefore, the soldiers came back to Washington DC and utilized some of the money to start a “trust fund” for old US veteran soldiers. This trust fund was the first monies set aside to start the veterans foundation and to construct the massive hospital and housing complex. Pretty much the first of its kind, the hospital offered veterans something that had really never been done before. It gave them all a sense of community and they finally felt like they belonged somewhere. It gave the people a connection where they could relate to one another and form lifelong bonds.

Abandoned Hospital Lab — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

Unfortunately, in recent years the veterans hospital fell on tough times. Medical expenses have skyrocketed, while less money is coming in from fees and fines to sustain the facility. The trust fund has been severely depleted; from 2010 to 2016, the fund’s balance fell from $186.5 million to $54.7 million. In 2018, the hospital operated at a $6 million loss. For the first time in its history, this deficit caused the hospital to ask Congress for financial assistance to help stabilize their finances. The complex also had to sell off several acres of land and some of the buildings to help recoup losses.

Abandoned Hospital Beds — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

Abandoned Hospital — Photo by: @sketchyjawns

Although the veterans hospital remains active today, many of the aging historical buildings are vacant and have been for a few years. The main hospital building itself closed sometime around 2010, when a newer more modern hospital was built nearby. Currently, there is discussion of what appears to be inevitable redevelopment at the hospital complex. As we enter the new year of 2023, it will be rather interesting to see what happens at the historic veterans complex.