Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: History, and Paranormal Claims

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as Weston State Hospital, was a psychiatric hospital in West Virginia that operated from 1864 to 1994. Constructed using the Kirkbride Plan, it faced overcrowding and transitioned patients to a new facility upon its closure. The asylum's history includes its construction during the Civil War, periods of overuse, and controversial treatments like lobotomies. After closing, the building was auctioned and reopened for heritage tourism, offering historical and paranormal tours. The asylum's imposing architecture and troubled past have made it a popular site for paranormal investigations and a subject of interest in various media. Today, preservation efforts are underway to maintain this National Historic Landmark. The facility's current focus is on raising funds through tours and events to support restoration.