Events Calendar
The Ridges
Location: Richland Avenue, Athens
Contact: Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Phone: 800-878-9767
The Ridges
originally The Athens
On January 9, 1874, a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital opened on the Ridges in
The theory was that this beautiful setting would help improve the health of patients. Unfortunately, mental health during the time was not nearly as advanced as it is today and, once admitted, most patients remained at The Ridges until their deaths. The hospital created its own cemeteries to serve as a final resting place for patients who were not claimed by their families.
In 2000, the cemeteries were in such disarray due to vandals and neglect that a local and state mental health task force was formed to address the issue. By 2006, with the support of public and private funding, the cemeteries were largely restored, the old pond was rebuilt and a Ridges Cemeteries Nature Walk was created to link the cemeteries. Visitors are encouraged to see the cemeteries not as haunted grounds, but as places of contemplative beauty. The former hospital buildings are now owned by Ohio University and are known simply as The Ridges. Other than Lin Hall, which houses The Kennedy Museum of Art, the buildings are not open to the public.
