Located in Weston, West Virginia, at 71 Asylum Drive, there is a massive stone masonry building that has been visited by the Syfy Channel's Ghost Hunters and the Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures team and declared officially haunted. The building is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formerly known by its less unsettling name as Weston State Hospital.
History Overview
The building itself has been around since the late 1800s and until farily recently (1994), it was home to thousands of mentally ill patients. During its use as a state hospital, the asylum's staff reported many disturbing events involving its patients; everything from violent murders to suicides, and many claim that it is now haunted by the spirits of its long-dead patients. However, since the hospital closed officially in 1994 and was re-opened in 2007 for public tours, many more people have reported paranormal activity from within its walls.
Heritage Tours
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA) is not just for thrill-seekers,however. In addition to its ghost tours, the asylum also offers heritage tours. Recognized as a national historical landmark, the building offers a rich insight into both West Virginia's history as well as national history. Heritage tours are offered from March 20th until October 31st and give visitors a choice of touring just the first floor or all four floors of the building. The four-floor tour is the more fulfilling experience and offers visitors much more than a look at patient wards; it offers views of the entire front courtyard, a look at the doctor's and nurse's quarters, and a look at the building's ballroom, which was once used for the local high school's prom. There are also photographic tours offered.
Ghost Tour Fun
For those looking for a good scare, TALA offers its more popular attractions, including paranormal tours and ghost hunts. Both tours are available from March to October. Paranormal tours last around two hours and are $40.00 per person. These tours allow visitors to bring cameras, digital recorders, and anything else to aid in discovering the paranormal. Tours are for all four floors. For people looking for an even scarier experience TALA offers ghost hunts that run all night long. Visitors are divided into groups and will have the opportunity to explore the floors with either a guide or by themselves.
Expos, Festivals, and More
In addition to its regular tours, the asylum also hosts several special events throughout the year. The Turkey and Trout Expo takes place for two days in April and has a 3D archery shoot. In April and May there is a large outdoor concert known as Moonstruck that takes place on asylum grounds and features many bands. Throughout the summer months there is the TALA Motorsports Association, which features motorsport races and events.
The Witches Ball offers a series of activities, including all-day live entertainment, a costume contest, and door prizes. There is, of course, a classic haunted house event as well, called Ward 24. Both of these events are October specials. For a less spooky outing, visitors may want to check out the asylum's Fall Fest, which offers food, drink, and a collection of arts and crafts. Most of these events are also kid-friendly. For a complete listing of events and details on the asylum, visit TALA's official site.
Although it has received national attention for its disturbing past, this massive landmark offers a little something for everyone. Summer activies, music, and an educational experiences offered through its rich history--not to mention its amazing architecture--make Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum a must-see on the travel list.
Sources:
Trans-AlleghenyLunaticAsylum.com
Laura Adkins - Hi all. I graduated college in 2009 with honors and recieved my Bachelor's Degree in Professional Writing. I work at the local Kroger ...
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