Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The world's largest hand-cut stone building was designed for 250 patients. It held 2,400. Lobotomies, electroshock, and death filled its wards. The spirits of the forgotten haunt its endless halls.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia is the second-largest hand-cut stone masonry building in the world (after the Kremlin). Originally designed for 250 patients, it eventually housed over 2,400 in horrific conditions.
The History
According to documented accounts:
The asylum opened in 1864:
- Built during the Civil War
- Designed using the Kirkbride Plan (meant to be therapeutic)
- Intended for 250 patients
- By 1950, held 2,400 patients
- Conditions deteriorated severely
The Treatments
Patients endured:
- Lobotomies (ice pick through the eye socket)
- Electroshock therapy
- Hydrotherapy (scalding or freezing water)
- Insulin shock treatment
- Restraints and isolation
- Experimental procedures
Notable Areas
Ward F (The Civil War Section): Housed violent male patients. Shadow figures are common.
Ward 2: Female ward. Voices and apparitions reported.
The Medical Center: Where lobotomies were performed. Extremely active.
The Seclusion Rooms: Solitary confinement cells. Intense paranormal activity.
The Hauntings
Reported phenomena include:
Lily: A young girl who died in the asylum. Visitors leave toys for her.
Jacob: A violent patient who attacks visitors (scratches, pushes).
Ruth: A mother who died waiting for her soldier husband to return.
The Doctor: A figure in white seen in the medical wing.
Common Experiences
Visitors report:
- Shadow figures throughout
- Screaming and moaning
- Being touched or scratched
- Equipment malfunctions
- Objects moving
- Full-bodied apparitions
- Cold spots
Investigations
The asylum has been investigated by:
- Ghost Adventures (Zak Bagans spent 24 hours alone here)
- Ghost Hunters
- Most Haunted
- Hundreds of paranormal teams
It’s considered one of the most active locations in America.
Modern Status
Today the asylum offers:
- Historical tours
- Paranormal tours
- Overnight ghost hunts
- Civil War reenactments
- It’s a National Historic Landmark
Preservation
The asylum is being restored:
- Tours fund restoration
- Buildings are being stabilized
- The history is being preserved
- It’s now a popular destination