BUCKET LIST UPDATE No. 163: Visit the old Searcy Hospital in Mount Vernon

Superintendent Drive entrance to Searcy Hospital.

Searcy Hospital is an old mental hospital that I first remember hearing about when I was in high school. During the past few years, the Mobile Press-Register has published a number of stories about this sprawling, state-owned hospital, which closed permanently on Oct. 31, 2012. It dawned on me about a year ago that I’d never seen this place with my own eyes, which is why I put in on my “bucket list” last year.

On Saturday afternoon, I found myself in Mount Vernon with plans to check out the old Fort Stoddert site. While on U.S. Highway 43, I couldn’t miss seeing the large sign pointing west toward Searcy Hospital, which you can’t see from the main highway. Looking to scratch another item off my bucket list, we turned west onto County Road 96, which takes you right by the old hospital.

As we approached the hospital, we spotted a historical marker at the intersection of CR 96 and Superintendent Drive. We pulled off onto Superintendent Drive and before getting out, we noticed the large signs warning sightseers about how close they could legally get to the property. We stayed well away from the hospital grounds, and I would advise you to do the same if you ever “visit” the hospital like we did. Honestly, the place is so large that you can see a lot just from road.

We did take a few minutes to check out the historical marker, which is two-sided and describes the old hospital as well as the Mount Vernon Arsenal and Barracks. The “Searcy Hospital” side says, “Mt. Vernon Hospital established 1900 by State of Alabama. Served as mental hospital for care of Black citizens. Name changed 1919 to Searcy Hospital honoring first superintendent, Dr. J.T. Searcy. Treatment for all citizens began 1969. Nine of structures dating from 1830s still in use, including Superintendent’s House, Tower Building, Pharmacy and Library. Enclosing wall dates from 1830s.”

The “Mt. Vernon Arsenal and Barracks” side of the marker says, “Established 1828 by Congress to store arms and munitions for U.S. Army. Original structures completed 1830s. Arsenal appropriated by Confederacy 1861; equipment moved to Selma facilities. After Civil War used as U.S. Army barracks; from 1887-1894 served as holding ground for Apache Indian prisoners. Deeded to State of Alabama 1895. Josiah Gorgas, later Chief of Ordnance of Confederacy, stationed here 1850s; Dr. Walter Reed, conqueror of yellow fever, served as post surgeon 1880s; Apache chieftain, Geronimo, prisoner here 1887-1894.”

I was most surprised by the size of this hospital complex. You can get a good idea of its size just by riding by and seeing all of the buildings. To get an idea of what I’m talking about, pull it up on Google Maps and check it out. It’s huge. It probably take a week to thoroughly explore every building on the property. 

In the end, how many of you have ever been to Searcy Hospital? What did you think about it? Do you know of any similar places worth going to check out? Let us know in the comments section below.