This Deserted Sanatorium is an Enduring Part of Minnesota History

The state of Minnesota has a long and rich history, some of which has been forgotten entirely. But if you scratch under the surface, you can still unearth some fascinating tales from the not-so-distant past.

The Pokegama Sanatorium is one of these forgotten relics of a bygone era. Yet when it was built, it served a valuable purpose for many of the state's residents.

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Welcome to the Pokegama Sanatorium

The Pokegama Sanatorium first opened before the First World War, in 1905. It was primarily used to treat the tuberculosis epidemic in the United States. Its purpose was to provide fresh air, isolation from the general public, and rest for those dealing with the deadly disease. At that point in time, these factors were believed to be critical in helping those with tuberculosis.

The remnants of the Sanatorium still exist today, and can be found just outside the small town of Pine City in East-Central Minnesota.

Pokegama was built with 15 open-air cottages, but in 1918 new cottages were added. They had steam heat with private bedrooms and bathrooms shared with only two or three people. A reception hospital added in the early 1920s contained a modern surgical suite, a long-distance telephone system, and elevators. Pokegama's most famous patient-in-residence was Dakota County attorney Harold Stassen who was there in 1930.  He was elected governor of Minnesota in 1938.

-MnSans.com

The Sanitorium was in operation until 1944, when World War II effectively closed it down, due to shortages of supplies.

For the past several decades, the area has been abandoned, and is the subject of several paranormal investigations.

To learn more about these investigations and to see what the Sanitorium looks like today, check out the YouTube video below.

Story Source: MnSans Website