Place: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Location: Weston, West Virginia, 71 Asylum Drive
Phone: (304) 269-5070
Hours: Tours are typically available from April through November. Specific hours vary; it’s recommended to check the official website or call ahead for current schedules.
Admission: Admission fees vary depending on the type of tour (historical, paranormal, etc.). Detailed pricing is available on the official website.
Website: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
History: The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, originally authorized by the Virginia General Assembly in the early 1850s, was designed by architect Richard Snowden Andrews in Gothic Revival and Tudor Revival styles. Construction began in 1858 but was interrupted by the Civil War.
The facility admitted its first patients in October 1864 and continued to expand until 1881. Initially designed to house 250 patients, the asylum became severely overcrowded, with the population peaking at approximately 2,400 in the 1950s. This overcrowding led to deteriorating conditions and questionable treatment practices, including the use of lobotomies in the early 1950s as part of the West Virginia Lobotomy Project.
The hospital was renamed Weston State Hospital in 1913 and remained operational until its closure in 1994. In 2007, the facility was purchased at auction and has since been open for tours and events aimed at preserving its history.
Hauntings: The asylum is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported various phenomena, including:
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Lily: The spirit of a young girl named Lily is said to inhabit the asylum. According to legend, Lily was born and died within the asylum’s walls. Visitors report experiences such as holding hands, clothing tugs, giggles, and invisible games of ball near her designated room on the first floor.
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Civil War Era Spirits: Given the asylum’s history during the Civil War, some reports suggest the presence of spirits from that era, including soldiers and individuals associated with the hospital’s early years.
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Other Entities: Reports include sightings of apparitions, unexplained noises, and feelings of unease in various parts of the building.
Personal Experiences: Numerous visitors have recounted personal experiences during tours and overnight investigations. These accounts often describe interactions with unseen entities, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained sounds. For instance, a former tour guide shared experiences of unexplained phenomena during their tenure at the asylum.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers a profound glimpse into historical psychiatric practices and the lingering presence of its past inhabitants, making it a compelling destination for both history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators.