The History and Hauntings of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which was built during the years of 1858-1881, is not only the largest masonry building in North America constructed of hand-cut stones, it is also reported to be one of the most haunted places throughout the entire world. Since the initiation of the construction efforts on this immense structure, many strange and unusual events have transpired – many involving the staff and residents of the facility and others seemingly involving something more dark and sinister. Throughout this guide, you will be introduced to the comprehensive history and the haunted stories surrounding the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (also known as the Weston State Hospital). If you have a passion for the paranormal and a high level of appreciation for history, continue reading to learn about the mystery and mayhem that surrounds this once immensely popular home for the maniacal.

The Dilemma of the Deranged and Demented

In the earliest days of our history, those that displayed unusual, bizarre, and socially deemed “abnormal” behaviors were believed to be possessed by demons and other types of malevolent entities. Many were accused of being witches. In the days of antiquity, many believed that the deranged and demented were given their mental disorders from the gods. Mental illness has been stigmatized and misunderstood for hundreds of years. As a result of these misunderstandings and labels, the people of Colonial America often treated the deranged and demented in extremely barbaric ways.

Originally, Individuals that were identified as being insane were placed into prisons. It was not at all uncommon to find those suffering from mental illnesses to be stripped of their clothing and chained to walls – even in the worse of weather conditions. As a result of being abandoned and forced to live like an animal, it was commonplace to find such people covered in debris and filth. Families that took on the responsibility of those with mental illnesses often hid them away in harsh, cruel environments. It was common belief that the deranged and demented should be extricated from society. In the 1770s, facilities started to emerge that provided housing to the mentally ill; however, these facilities did not focus on helping the sufferer. At that time, insanity was considered to be an incurable condition.

Time for a Change

By the time that the 1800s arrived, the lives of those that were considered to be legally insane were detrimentally impacted by societal beliefs and standards regarding mental illness. The situation was dire. Certain individuals were sympathetic to the deranged and demented and called attention to their barbaric treatment in order to urge society, as a whole, to support better treatments for those people. These individuals worked diligently to convince the lawmakers of the time that they should dedicate their time, money, and other resources to ensuring that the deranged and demented were provided with humane care and treatment. Two individuals, in particular, that had a strong role in encouraging better care for the insane were Dorothea Dix and Thomas Kirkbride.

Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix was considered to be a highly passionate individual when it came to the care and consideration of others. She was a nurse and a teacher; however, in her later years, she was identified as being a social reformer. She committed herself and her time to improving how the mentally ill were treated during the period of the 19^th century. In the year of 1841, Dorothea was provided with the opportunity to visit a jail. It was located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During her walkthrough, she witnessed many displays of inconsideration. She saw mentally ill people chained to the dark, cold stone-created walls within the cells. She noticed that there was no heat. She witnessed the lost, empty looks of those inappropriately placed in a structure designed for criminals.

Once she experienced the environment of that jail and saw the horrors that lingered behind the stone structure, she committed to give everything she had in order to encourage more humane care and treatments for the deranged and demented. Once the Legislature of Massachusetts heard of the ordeal, she was granted funds to aid in optimizing the conditions that she saw. Then, she branched out. She went to numerous other states. Once she saw that all were similar, she traveled overseas to both Europe and Asia. She faced many challenges in her mission; however, she never lost hope. In New Jersey in the year of 1848, the very first state hospital designed to house and help the mentally ill opened its doors as a result of Dorothea’s work. Throughout her journey she worked closely with Thomas Kirkbride. Finally, Dorothea Dix became so mentally and physically worn that she admitted herself to this hospital in Trenton, New Jersey in 1881. Dorothea resided there until her death in the year of 1887.

Thomas Kirkbride

Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride developed a broad appreciation and a solid level of empathy for the deranged and demented during his lifetime. In the year of 1840, he became the superintendent of the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane. Prior to accepting this position, he has undergone training and had gained experience at both Friends’ Asylum and the Pennsylvania Hospital. Not only did this training and experience aid in qualifying Dr. Kirkbride for the position, but, it was enough to motivate him to become passionate over the mentally ill, their care and treatment, and their overall well-being.

Dr. Thomas Kirkbride served as one of the founders of the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane or “AMSAII”. Eventually, he would also gain the honor of serving as the President of the American Psychiatric Association. His experiences led to the development of a standard method of constructing mental asylums across the nation and encouraged a new form of treatment for the mentally ill. This construction method was known as the Kirkbride Plan. The Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum was built based on this construction model. In fact, several institutions were built based on this construction model. Examples include Athens State Hospital, the Danvers State Hospital, and the Hudson River State Hospital.

The Kirkbride Plan

The 19^th century resulted in a high level of state-sponsored treatment activities for the mentally ill within the United States. During this period of time, it was not at all to observe multitudes of people with mental illnesses. This seemed to stem from the fast-growing populations and the amount of strain placed on the American people. Dr. Thomas Kirkbride was a highly influential advocate of the humane asylum system because they were based on the highly-revered tenets associated with Moral Treatment. It was his belief that all asylums should be an area where there was a high level of activity among patients, that patients were secluded from common causes of their illness, and that they were provided with medical therapy; however, he continued in stating that a certain type of building design could, potentially, optimize the health of those considered to be deranged or demented.

The Kirkbride Plan includes a very specific structural-based design. That is, that the unit should have a central building for administration. On the right and left side of the main administration building, there should be two wings of housing units, which would comprised of different tiered wards. Men and women would be housed in separate wings. Additionally, patients would be housed with those that had similar issues. Furthermore, the Kirkbride Plan called for each area of the asylum to have a large amount of fresh air and natural light. Additionally, the patients would be able to see outdoors, regardless of where they were placed within the facility. In the end, the Kirkbride Plan seemed to lack effectiveness; however, the haunted Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum still stands today, along with other facilities designed in this manner. While not effective, you can certainly see the thought processes of Dr. Thomas Kirkbride and why he thought it would be a positive and productive treatment approach for the mentally ill. In the end, a building was found to lack the ability to cure; however, the design definitely considers the comfort of the patient.

Hauntings

Throughout the history of the structure, many stories abound regarding the possibility of ghosts and spirits wandering the hall of this old lunatic asylum. The following outlines some of the creepy tales that are currently in circulation:

·       Many have claimed that they have been pushed on the first floor of the structure. For many, it was only a small push; for others, it was an immense push right into the walls that line the dark, creepy halls of the haunted hospital.

·       As you walk down the hall of the first floor, you may hear a whistle sound. Could this be a tic or a sound from the soul of a previous patient of the facility?

·       When the haunted hospital served as a home for the deranged and demented, a patient named Ruth resided on the first floor. Rumor has it that she was extremely cantankerous and had a violent streak. While strapped securely into a wheelchair, she would often scream obscenities of those that walked the halls – be it staff, visitors, or patients. Today, many claim to hear Ruth. There are some that believe that her negative energy abounds through the first floor. Many that have been pushed violently on the first floor feel that Ruth is to blame. It is believed that a previous caretaker provoked the spirit of Ruth by daring her to come out. At the time, the caretaker was showing her daughter around the facility. Just as they decided to move on, the caretaker named Sue was pushed up against the wall by an unknown force as her daughter watched on.

·       On the second floor, numerous fights, murders, and suicides have taken place. Not only have shadow figures been observed in this area, but, recordings from the area have caught an unknown voice saying, “Get Out!”

·       It is not at all uncommon for some to hear their name ring out from the shadows within the structure.

·       The third floor of the haunted hospital is where the nurses were stationed and lived. Here, apparitions of nurses and shadowy figures may be observed.

·       Disembodied screams and cries may be heard throughout the entire Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum; however, most reports stem from the geriatric unit.

·       Footsteps from an unknown source are commonly reported throughout the old Weston State Hospital.

·       The third floor is rumored to be the spiritual haunting grounds of spirits referred to as Dean (who was murdered at Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum), Nurse Elizabeth, and old Big Jim.

·       According to those that research signs of paranormal activity, the fourth floor of the Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum seems to be the most mystifying and spooky of all locations. Here, you may encounter and get the priviledge of communicating with the ghost named Lily. A dark, shadowy blob has been observed. When inquiring of a SB-7 Ghost Box of the identity of the blob, it responded with “demon”. Additionally, there is a very odd spirit that seemingly crawls along the floor. Finally, it is common to hear a banging noise – like that of banging on pipes.

Conclusion

There are a multitude of hauntings that are said to occur at the Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum. Today, the facility offers a large variety of tours. Many focus on the history of the structure, while others focus on the signs of paranormal activity that seem to abound in and around the building. Regardless of when you choose to visit this haunted hospital or what type of tour you elect to take, you will walk away knowing that more than just the physical bodies abound in and around the building. You will witness – whether visually, audibly, or both – the sounds emitted from the spirit world. You will know that the stories of the signs of paranormal activity are real at Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum. To view the tours that are currently available, you may visit the following link: http://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/

Moundsville Penitentiary Considered One of the Most Haunted Places in West Virginia

Many haunted places are rumored to exist throughout the State of West Virginia; however, the most intriguing is the Moundsville Penitentiary. Additionally, most paranormal investigators, paranormal enthusiasts, and people that have observed and/or directly experienced the signs of paranormal activity within the prison state that Moundsville Penitentiary is one of the MOST haunted places throughout West Virginia. The immensely large stone-based façade continues to stand today, seemingly luring people in by the mysterious ambience and shadows that look as if they emerge from every crack and crevice from the carefully-crafted castle. If you enjoy history and have an interest in seeking out evidence of life after death, continue reading to learn about why Moundsville Penitentiary is considered to be one of the most haunted places in West Virginia.

The History of the West Virginia State Penitentiary

The Moundsville Penitentiary is more than just a haunted prison; it is an establishment with a rich history. In order to appreciate the signs of paranormal activity that seem to abound at this structure, you must first have a little bit of background on the facility. We will start elaborating on this history by starting with the fact that West Virginia is one of only two American states that formed during the period of the American Civil War, which took place between the years of 1861 to 1865. Additionally, West Virginia is the only state to form by undergoing the process of seceding from a Confederate-based state. It officially separated and formed as a state in the year of 1863.

When West Virginia officially became a state all of its own, the region lacked a variety of public institutions – one of which being prisons. Starting in the year of 1863, the Governor at the time, Arthur I. Boreman, continuously lobbied the legislative body of the state to approve a penitentiary. Unfortunately, this request was denied. The governor was encouraged to send inmates to prisons in neighboring states and to use local jails that existed within the current counties; however, this proved to be less than favorable. In the year of 1865, a total of nine inmates successfully escaped. The press expounded on this issue and the Legislature then elected to take action.

On the 7^th day of February in the year of 1866, the legislative body approved the purchase of a large plot of land in the City of Moundsville for the purpose and intent of creating a state penitentiary. The land included ten acres, which cost $3,000.00 to purchase. That same year, the state constructed a small wood-based prison just a short distance from where the new prison would be constructed. In the meantime, the officials responsible for the design and construction of the penitentiary researched various designs. Finally, it was agreed upon that the new prison would resemble the penitentiary that was located at Joliet in Illinois. Not only was the structure to be extremely strong, the officials ensured that it displayed an ambience of cheerlessness and misery.

The very first building constructed that was part of the Moundsville State Penitentiary was referred to as the North Wagon Gate. Prison labor was used to build this and the construction lasted until the year of 1876. Eventually, the cellblock areas of the north and south were constructed. Included in these regions were an area for earing, a kitchen, a chapel, and even a hospital. Immediately thereafter, a tower consisting of 4 stories was built. This served as the administration building, a location for any female inmates sent to the facility, as well as a small area of space that the warden and his family could reside. 1876 marked the year with the Moundsville Prison finally opened. It started with a total of 251 inmates – all males. Immediately after opening, work started on the workshops and numerous other facilities that would be a part of the prison.

Basic Operations

When the Moundsville Penitentiary opened, the inmates within the facility not only assisted in the continued construction of the establishment, but, had many other responsibilities, as well. By the early years of the 1900s, there were many shops at the prison. These included those that focused on carpentry, painting, and blacksmithing. Furthermore, the facility included a farm where prisoners worked. The revenue that the inmates generated from their assigned tasks helped in funding the prison. Many described the institution, during this period, as being “self-sufficent”. The turn of the 20^th century marked some of the best days of the Moundsville Penitentiary; however, as time progressed, dark days started to arrive.

Worsening Conditions

Moundsville prison is known to have been a very violent place. In fact, in later years, the United States Department of Justice released a list called the Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities and Moundsville was on that list. The violence seemed to originate in the late 1800s when all of the executions of West Virginia were transferred to Moundsville; however, it was not until after the turn of the century when things got worse. There were a wide assortment of suicides, a very large amount of murders, and excessively violent punishments taking place within the walls of the facility. Many of the inmates died violently, but records were not kept properly. This resulted in the inability to determine exactly how many people died while serving time at Moundsville Penitentiary.

The West Virginia State Penitentiary was exposed as having prison officials that kept items – such as whips – in the facility to issue punishments to the incorrigibles that were serving time for their crimes. Many prisoners were strapped to devices while receiving beatings that brought them near to death or simply killed them. Others were placed in a device that kept various parts of their body in place while sprayed in the face with a water hose. This was referred to as the “shoo-fly” and most that were placed in this device came very close to death as a result of the cold water and swallowing too much of the water too rapidly. The Sugar Shack within the Moundsville prison was known for fights, rapes, and other forms of violence. Overcrowding, sickness, and disease also seemed to abound in the West Virginia State Penitentiary.

Signs of Paranormal Activity

If you are in search of haunted places, the Moundsville Penitentiary will not disappoint. According to many witnesses – dating all the way back to the early 1900s – many signs of paranormal activity have been seen and/or experienced at Moundsville. Many stories continue to circulate and several believe that this is one of the most haunted places throughout the entire State of West Virginia. Below, you will find an outline of the signs of paranormal activity that have been associated with this haunted prison:

·       As mentioned previously, Moundsville Penitentiary included a special recreation room called The Sugar Shack. Originally, it was designed for indoor recreation when the weather would not permit for outdoor recreation. It was not at all uncommon to find the inmates engaging in various types of gambling, conversation, and similar activities. However, as time progressed, The Sugar Shack was anything but sweet. Fights began to erupt. Rapes began to occur. Many acts of violence took place in this area. Today, people that visit this region of the haunted prison state that they hear voices. Sometimes, the voices seem to only be talking. At other times, though, arguments and screams may be heard. It is not at all uncommon to feel as if someone is standing beside you in this room. Many have heard unexplained noises and have experienced cold spots in The Sugar Shack area of Moundsville prison.

·       In the 1930s, the guards that were responsible for ensuring that no one escaped from the Moundsville Penitentiary would claim to see an inmate near the maintenance area of the facility. Immediately, the alarms would sound and the area would be investigated; however, in all instances, no one was there and all of the inmates were accounted for in the facility.

·       One of the most frightening of all ghostly experiences within the Moundsville Penitentiary is the spirit known as the Shadow Man. According to witnesses, a dark shadow seems to lurk among the halls and the cells of the facility. While there are no solid characteristics to this apparition, the shadow is described as being in the shape of a man.

·       According to legend, the Moundsville prison was constructed on top of a burial ground that belonged to the Native Americans. As a result of being built in this location, negative energy from the buried seemed to infiltrate the structure and grounds. It is believed that this negative energy has caused a wide array of the signs of paranormal activity that exist within and around the buildings.

·       The circle-shaped entrance gate often turns on by itself, as if someone is arriving at the facility; however, upon further inspection, no solid explanation is found for this occurrence.

·       Throughout the prison and the grounds that it sits, many have caught fleeting glimpses of shadows, have heard screams, and have even witnessed crying sounds.

Conclusion

The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville no longer houses criminals; however, the spirits of those that once roamed the land, worked in the institution, and resided within the facility seem to be forever bound to this haunted prison. If you would like to experience one of the many haunted places that currently exist, you will be pleased to know that the Moundsville Penitentiary offers many tours. During the daytime hours, it is possible to explore the prison grounds and view the cells where the inmates resided. There are also a number of night tours and the ability to explore the structure and grounds until the early morning hours. When it comes to haunted places, Moundsville Penitentiary is at the top of the list for the highest amount of signs of paranormal activity.

Welcome to Haunted Places

Haunted Places is more than just a blog that expounds on all those haunted structures, lands, and other regions throughout the world; it is a virtual area where I may share my passion with the paranormal. Yes, I will share stories on a wide assortment of haunted places. Examples include haunted houses, haunted mansions, haunted plantations, haunted bed and breakfast establishments, haunted inns, haunted prisons, haunted hospitals, haunted castles, haunted ships, haunted lighthouses, haunted graveyards, haunted caves, haunted tunnels, haunted highways, haunted theaters, haunted forts, haunted towns, and more; however, this blog will consist of more than just a directory of haunted places. The true purpose and intent of this blog is to share my thoughts, my ideas, and stories with those that also have a passion with the paranormal.

I have found that my fascination with the paranormal stems from my questions and curiosities about what follows death. Throughout my life, I have lost many family members, relatives, coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances. My earliest loss occurred when I was just 10 months old. My maternal grandfather took his own life. Despite being so young, deep inside of me, I have always felt that loss. I am currently 39 years old and I have been to so many funerals that I have lost count. While I do consider myself a Christian, I also wonder if there is some truth to all of those ghost stories that we hear, all those signs of paranormal activity that others have claimed to witness, and those other types of unexplained phenomenon that people state that they have heard about or directly experienced. As humans, we have a natural fascination for that which is unexplained.

Throughout my life, I have found that ghost stories are romantic, in a sense. There is something that is quite forbidding in stories about ghosts floating about, visible, in the physical realm. I am naturally fascinated by the history of old buildings and other types of structures and lands that sit, abandoned. There is something exciting and enthralling about exploring the secrets that many haunted places seem to possess. I am naturally curious as to if ghosts are real. If they are real, I wonder why they seem to be forever bound to the life that they left behind in the physical realm. If you have a passion for the paranormal, I invite you to join me as I explore some of the most mysterious and extraordinary haunted places in the world!