Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum - Weston, WV
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum - Weston, WV
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is often cited as one of the most haunted places in America. Located in Weston, West Virginia, and renamed Weston State Hospital in 1913, it operated from 1864 to 1994 as a state-run psychiatric hospital. While it was initially built to accommodate only 250 individuals, as time went on, the hospital became excessively overcrowded, housing over 2,400 patients at its zenith in the 1950s. Tragically, these individuals experienced horrifying mistreatment, immense pain, and physiological torment, including being locked in cages, chained to walls, and subjected to electroshock therapy. Thousands of lobotomies were performed here, and through the years, there were many deaths, including murders and suicides.
The massive building, constructed entirely of hand-cut stone, is considered the largest of its kind in North America. In 1990, the Weston Hospital Main Building was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Due to changes in patient care, it was cheaper to build a new hospital than renovate this one, so the lunatic asylum was forcibly closed in 1994. The building was abandoned until 2007 when it was purchased to operate as a tourist attraction. After reverting to its original 1864 name, the Asylum offers both history and paranormal tours and hosts events to generate funds for its restoration.
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
September 11th, 2023
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