Welcome to the cemetery for the Knox County Poor House/County Home/Infirmary which operated between 1842 and 1955. There are no grave markers in this cemetery, and an unknown number of individuals are interred here. This plot of land was originally part of a 132-acre farm where elderly, mentally ill, physically ill, and indigent persons could work and have their basic needs provided. The cemetery portion is now controlled by the Knox County Commissioners, with the remaining farm being parceled and sold off many times over.
The 139-room brick poor house fell into disrepair after Mount Vernon Bible College abandoned the premises in 1988. The structure retained a 'historic status' and many attempts were made to bring the building up to code, but ultimately failing due to lack of funds. By 2014, the estimated repair bill was in the vicinity of $10M, with the property being condemned, seized by the state, and sold at a tax auction for $900. The structure ultimately burned in 2015, with many residents breathing a sigh of relief as costly repairs were at a standstill, and the building becoming more unstable and dangerous every year.
One small, white building remains of the original farm (see pic), as well as the cemetery, and a historic marker at the listed waypoint. Additional pics in gallery.