Next time you’re traveling through Weston, WV, make it a point to see The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA). Previously named the Weston State Hospital, the TALA was a psychiatric hospital that operated from 1864 until 1994 by the state of West Virginia. Built by architect Richard Andrews, it was constructed from 1858-1881.
- The massive Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (previously the Weston State Hospital).
WikiMedia Commons/Mendeaux The hospital’s main building is claimed to be one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States, and the second largest hand-cut sandstone building in the World, second only to the Kremlin in Moscow. Weston Hospital Main Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. The entire facility and 300 acres were privately purchased in August of 2007 and renamed Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA).
- Many areas of the old hospital remain off limits, although a variety of tours are offered.
Flickr/Matt Evans Originally designed to house only 250 patients in solitude, the hospital held 717 patients by 1880; 1,661 in 1938; over 1,800 in 1949; and, at its peak, 2,600 in the 1950s in overcrowded conditions. Those patients that could not be controlled were often kept locked in cages.
- Take a walk down creepy hallways.
Flickr/Donnie Nunley A series of reports by The Charleston Gazette in 1949 found poor sanitation and insufficient furniture, lighting, and heating in much of the complex.
- Much of the building has fallen into disrepair, or been damaged by vandals.
Flikr/Bob Jagendorf By the 1980s, the hospital’s population has been reduced due to changes in the treatment of mental illness. In 1986, then-Governor Arch Moore announced plans to build a new psychiatric facility elsewhere in the state and convert the Weston hospital to a prison.
- A striking view of the main building’s Gothic/Tudor facade.
Flickr/Dave Ultimately the new facility – the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital – was constructed in Weston and the old Weston State Hospital was simply closed in May, 1994. The building and its grounds have since been mostly vacant, aside from local events such as fairs, church revivals, and tours.
- An abandoned medical procedures room.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- Many fixtures and some furniture were simply abandoned.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- This room was previously a nurse’s quarters.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- Time to take your meds! An abandoned medicine cabinet, fallen into disrepair.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- A well-lit former gathering room.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- A very creepy staircase makes for an awesome photograph.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
- An abandoned bathroom.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- The abandoned barbershop.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- These screened, open air areas were built because it was believed that fresh air could cure tuberculosis.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
- Restoration efforts are currently underway.
Flikr/Dave With the aid of government grants, private donations, and fundraising events, a team of dedicated local volunteers are committed to restoring the TALA to its former grandeur in an effort to revive the local economy and preserve an important piece of American history.
With so much creepy history behind it, why wouldn’t you stop for a visit? A tour? Or maybe to donate to the restoration? What other creepy locations in West Virginia have you visited?
WikiMedia Commons/Mendeaux
The hospital’s main building is claimed to be one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States, and the second largest hand-cut sandstone building in the World, second only to the Kremlin in Moscow. Weston Hospital Main Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. The entire facility and 300 acres were privately purchased in August of 2007 and renamed Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA).
Flickr/Matt Evans
Originally designed to house only 250 patients in solitude, the hospital held 717 patients by 1880; 1,661 in 1938; over 1,800 in 1949; and, at its peak, 2,600 in the 1950s in overcrowded conditions. Those patients that could not be controlled were often kept locked in cages.
Flickr/Donnie Nunley
A series of reports by The Charleston Gazette in 1949 found poor sanitation and insufficient furniture, lighting, and heating in much of the complex.
Flikr/Bob Jagendorf
By the 1980s, the hospital’s population has been reduced due to changes in the treatment of mental illness. In 1986, then-Governor Arch Moore announced plans to build a new psychiatric facility elsewhere in the state and convert the Weston hospital to a prison.
Flickr/Dave
Ultimately the new facility – the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital – was constructed in Weston and the old Weston State Hospital was simply closed in May, 1994. The building and its grounds have since been mostly vacant, aside from local events such as fairs, church revivals, and tours.
Flickr/Viv Lynch
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Flikr/Dave
With the aid of government grants, private donations, and fundraising events, a team of dedicated local volunteers are committed to restoring the TALA to its former grandeur in an effort to revive the local economy and preserve an important piece of American history.
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