Rolling Hills Asylum
A county poorhouse that housed the insane, disabled, criminals, and abandoned. Over 1,700 deaths occurred here. Shadow figures, phantom screams, and the spirit of a giant named Roy haunt its halls.
Rolling Hills Asylum in New York was never officially an asylum—it was a county poorhouse. But it housed the mentally ill alongside criminals, orphans, and the destitute. Over 1,700 documented deaths occurred within its walls.
The History
According to documented accounts:
The Genesee County Poor Farm opened in 1827:
- Housed anyone society didn’t want
- Mentally ill, criminals, elderly, orphans
- No separation of populations
- Conditions were harsh
- Deaths were common
The Residents
The facility housed:
- The mentally ill (without treatment)
- Criminals serving sentences
- Orphaned children
- The elderly and disabled
- Alcoholics and “moral degenerates”
- Anyone deemed undesirable
Notable Spirits
Roy Crouse: A seven-foot-tall man with gigantism who died in 1942. His shadow is frequently seen.
Nurse Emma: A former nurse who reportedly helps visitors.
Raymond: A former inmate who makes his presence known.
The Children: Orphans who died here. Their laughter is heard.
The Hauntings
Phenomena reported include:
The Basement: Shadow figures, voices, and physical contact.
The East Wing: Where the mentally ill were kept. Extremely active.
The Morgue: Cold spots and apparitions.
The Hallways: Roy’s tall shadow is seen walking the corridors.
Common Experiences
Visitors report:
- Shadow figures (especially Roy’s distinctive tall form)
- Children’s laughter and footsteps
- Physical contact (touches, pushes)
- Full-bodied apparitions
- Equipment malfunctions
- Voices and screaming
- Objects moving
Investigations
Rolling Hills has been featured on:
- Ghost Adventures
- Ghost Hunters
- Paranormal State
- SyFy Channel investigations
Evidence captured includes remarkable EVPs and thermal images.
Current Status
Today Rolling Hills offers:
- Paranormal investigations
- Overnight stays
- Historical tours
- The building is privately owned and maintained
The Evidence
Notable evidence includes:
- Thermal images of Roy’s figure
- EVPs answering questions
- Video of shadow figures
- Photographs of apparitions
Sources
- Rolling Hills Asylum paranormal documentation
- Local historical records