Nestled in the hills of Wise County, Virginia, stands an abandoned orphanage, its concrete façade half-swallowed by trees and briars. Built early in the 20th century, in an era before modern foster care, county orphanages typically provided shelter, education, and basic necessities to local children in need.
The End of an Era
Little official history of the orphanage’s active years survives, and no major events are recorded in readily available sources. It most likely operated during the early 1900s for a relatively brief period. In fact, there are no known news reports or archival records detailing specific incidents, such as fires, significant accidents, or notable residents, that could help establish a clearer timeline. Today, most individuals turn to social media to share their insights and personal accounts of the Old Wise County Orphanage.
The orphanage appears to have closed by the late 1920s, perhaps because of shifting county budgets or the growing preference for foster care. Decades later, social-media posts revived interest in the building, making its closure the site’s only firmly dated milestone.
Foster Care
The foster care system began to take shape in the mid-1800s with the introduction of the so-called “orphan trains,” which transported children from different regions of the country. Over time, the number of orphanages gradually declined. By the end of World War II, orphanages had become increasingly scarce across the state of Virginia. Foster care eventually evolved into a government-funded program in the 1960s.
Today, orphanages no longer exist in the state of Virginia. Although the exact reason for the Old Wise County Orphanage’s closure remains a mystery, the rise of the foster care system would have ultimately led to its end, whether it was originally or not.
Local Folklore
For now, the legacy of the Old Wise County Orphanage lives on more in local folklore than in documented history. Locals have long claimed the building is haunted, making it a popular destination for legend trippers, urban explorers, and paranormal enthusiasts.
Reportedly, those who wander near the abandoned building at night hear the giggles of unseen children, the echo of bouncing balls in empty halls, and see mysterious lights drifting through the building. Some claim to have glimpsed ghostly figures in the windows from a distance, despite knowing the structure is completely empty.
In the absence of official records, such ghost lore has ironically become the orphanage’s most famous “history.” In fact, these tales have earned the site a reputation as one of the “most haunted places in Virginia,” though this is based largely on anecdotal evidence. As a result, the orphanage remains something of a historical enigma in the region—a place everyone has heard of, but few know concrete facts about.
The Orphanage Today
After the orphanage ceased operations, the building was abandoned and left to the elements. Over the years, the structure fell into severe disrepair—windows either gone or boarded, floors partially collapsing, and vegetation overtaking the grounds. Despite years of abandonment, weathering and vandalism, the orphanage still stands in decent shape. As you drive by today, you can just make out the top of the building peeking over the trees. The building now remains a mute reminder of the region’s forgotten children.
Sources & Further Reading
Southern Trippers. “13 Haunted Places in Virginia You Must Visit.” Southern Trippers. Accessed April 16, 2025. https://southerntrippers.com/haunted-places-in-virginia/.
UMFS. “Orphanages in Virginia.” United Methodist Family Services. Accessed April 16, 2025. https://www.umfs.org/orphanages-in-virginia/#:~:text=Although%20orphanages%20in%20Virginia%20no,real%20demand%20for%20foster%20parents.
Urbex Underground. “Abandoned Places in Virginia.” Urbex Underground. Accessed April 16, 2025. https://urbexunderground.com/abandoned-places-in-virginia/.
Carte Urbex. “Top 10 Abandoned Places in Virginia.” Carte Urbex. Accessed April 16, 2025. https://carte-urbex.com/en/blogs/infos/top-10-abandoned-places-in-virginia. Preston, Cheryl E. “The Mystery of the Abandoned Wise County Orphanage.” NewsBreak. Accessed April 16, 2025.
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