Background:
Originally built in 1909, Stonewall Jackson was North Carolina's first youth development center. It is comprised of 60 structures on about 100 acres of land. Fifty of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historical Places. A 15-foot tall fence surrounds the 55-acre campus. This is the story of how I made it in, made it out, and what I have to tell about it.

The Adventure:
One day crisp fall day I packed my bags and drove 45mins outside of Charlotte to a small-town dinner in the heart of a local community. I parked my car in the parking lot, locked the doors, threw my "adventure bag" (as I like to call it) over my shoulders, and made for the nearby woods behind the dinner. Afer weaving my way in and out of the tall grass and light foliage for about a quarter of a mile I found what I was looking for. I knew had I had reached the boundaries of what I knew to be one of the largest abandoned complexes in my state.


After scouting out the perimeter of the fence I returned to the cover of trees and took a breather. Pulling a "Tarzan", I made my way up some trees that were as tall as the man made barrier I had encountered earlier! Ploppinh my bag down I ate a few bites of my granola bar (a must bring for any adventurer).


After taking in the nice scenery I hopped down from my perch above the leaves and continued my hike through the seemingly endless forest in front of me. Before I got inside the compound I must say that I came across quite some interesting finds in the woods just outside the complex as well!


An old barn in the middle of the woods.


This is why you don't text and drive kids , dark humor aside isn't this an interesting find?!


This gave me chills. (I still gave it a test drive tho )


Another one!


A horse stable? Was equestrian one of the activities made available to inmates of the hospital? Or were they were for security and patrolling? The latter is probably not very likely, but one likes to dream and I mean what would they have a stable for?

The Compound
And ah, now to the inside of the compound itself.



Classroom I suppose? Maybe art class ;)


Note - the stairs creek. I mean, what haunted place doesn't have creaking stairs


Santa ain't fitting through this fireplace, but then again why would he even come here if this is a place for "naughty" kids. hmmm...

Conclusion:

And as I began to take photos of the recreational area complete with a piano and dust covered pool table...my phone died. ROOKIE. MISTAKE. I'm still a little salty to this day, but that's what happened. And because of that I am afraid that is as much as I can share with you all from my adventure in terms of pictures .

After my phone died I came across some really cool buildings and rooms!
The old locker rooms, a basketball court, more classrooms, and when I climbed to the top of one of the spiriling staircases I found in one of the buildings I came accross one of those attics that looks like it's straight out of a haunted movie ol.

So while my adventure was more extensive than described here I think this gives you an idea of my time there and what YOU might find there as well if you take the time to go out there yourself. Cause if I know anything I'll be making a return with some new goals of things to see, a better camera, and some extra batteries forsure


A view of the outer fence from the woods as I approached. I hope to gaze upon that looming fence once more knowing the mysterious and adventure filled collection of buildings that lay beyond it.


Until next time, farewell stonewall jackson.

- C&H



Who wants to be the next Hobbes to my Calvin on my next adventure? If you do, reach out to me and we'll talk. Explore on.

That looks like a nice trip to take. Thanks for sharing!

Concorde Blood Mansion, what a name for a car!