Welcome to the official site of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium
This site is owned by Charlie and Tina Mattingly, the owners of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville Kentucky. This is the ONLY site on which you can schedule tours and get the true history of Waverly Hills. Any other sites claiming to offer tours is not legitimate. All of the photos on this site are the property of The Waverly Hills Historical Society Inc. and should not be copied or reproduced without their written consent of.
In the early 1900's Tuberculosis infections were reaching epidemic proportions. Tuberculosis is a deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria. Tuberculosis most commonly attacks the lungs (as pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, bones, joints and even the skin. Those afflicted with the disease had to be removed from the general public and quarantined somewhere that had the ability to care for them properly. The large Sanatorium that you see at the top of this page was constructed for that purpose.
Construction began in March of 1924. It opened on October 17, 1926 to administer patients. With over 500 beds available this state-of-the-art facility was populated with citizens of Louisville and other parts of Kentucky as well as people from all over The United States. All of which went there in hopes of being cured of Tuberculosis. This was unfortunately not the case as thousands of people suffered and died of TB at Waverly Hills. To cope with the large numbers of deaths and to avoid hurting the morale of other patients a 500 foot long tunnel that was originally used as a supply tunnel was converted into a "Body Chute". The bodies of the deceased would be lowered down the tunnel via rail-tramsystem to train cars at the bottom of the hill.
Waverly functioned as a tuberculosis hospital until 1961, when it was closed down to be quarantined and renovated to be opened again in 1962 as WoodHaven Medical Services. The facility remained a geriatrics center until 1980, when it was closed by the state for alleged patient abuse.
Visit the history page to find out more about the Waverly Hills Sanatorium.
The WAVERLY HILLS PARANORMAL RESEARCHERS (WHPR) are now taking reservations for an enlightening study of Paranormal facts and fiction. An experience you won’t soon forget. Held by the WHPR with special guest speakers to be announced. During this class you will have a very informative presentation presented by Mike Flickner from the WHPR and SIGH on the proper ways to “GHOST HUNT.” Discover what others have experienced at Waverly Hills and learn how you to can witness the same. Learn how to use the simplest of tools such as compasses, powder and even string to the very elaborate of ghost hunting tools. Learn how to look for shadow people, full apparitions and how to tell the difference from true orbs to the common household dust or moisture.
Cost for this 2 hour class and a full eight hour overnight with a chance to practice what you have learned is only $150.00 per person with very limited seating available. The class will begin at 9:30 pm on the Saturday nights listed below. The class is also available without the overnight for $100.00 per person.
Please call to make your reservations early for they are sure to book up fast.
For reservations please call 502-933-2142 Mon-Fri. From 8:00am to 4:00pm (closed for lunch 11:30 - 12:30).
Dates for the classes are as follows:
April 12, 2008
May 31, 2008
June 28, 2008
July 19, 2008
For More Important Information, like payment details, courtesy rules, etc. You must go to the tour info page. READ THE ENTIRE PAGE, as there is some new information regarding tours towards the bottom.
Since it is NOW 2008, we are taking reservations for all two hour guided tours (paranormal and historical), and half night stays, and full overnight stays.
The Waverly Hills Office phone number is (502) 933-2142. Call to schedule a tour. Tour dates fill up quickly so call soon.