Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

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Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as the Weston State Hospital, is a historic psychiatric hospital located in Weston, West Virginia. Constructed between 1858 and 1881, it is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and its role in the history of mental health care.

History

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was designed by architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride Plan, a system of mental asylum design advocated by Thomas Story Kirkbride. The Kirkbride Plan called for long, rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, ensuring that each wing received sunlight and fresh air. The asylum was intended to house 250 patients, but by the 1950s, it was overcrowded with over 2,400 patients living in poor conditions.

During its operation, the asylum witnessed various treatment methods for mental illness, ranging from hydrotherapy, lobotomy, and electroconvulsive therapy to more humane treatments as understanding of mental health evolved. The hospital was officially closed in 1994 due to changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the building.

Architecture

The architecture of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a prime example of the Gothic Revival and Tudor Revival styles. Its imposing structure and detailed craftsmanship reflect the 19th-century belief in architecture's potential to provide therapeutic benefits. The building's layout, adhering to the Kirkbride Plan, was designed to promote self-sufficiency with facilities such as a farm, dairy, and waterworks.

Paranormal Activity

After its closure, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum gained fame for its reported paranormal activity, becoming a popular destination for ghost hunters and those interested in the paranormal. Tours and events, including overnight ghost hunts, are now offered, allowing the public to explore its haunted reputation.

Preservation

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is currently undergoing preservation efforts to restore and maintain the building for historical and educational purposes. These efforts aim to protect the structure while making it accessible to the public for tours, events, and as a resource for learning about the history of mental health care in the United States.

In Popular Culture

The asylum has been featured in various television shows and documentaries that explore haunted locations, further cementing its status as a site of intrigue and paranormal interest.