Historical Landmark
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, was constructed between 1858 and 1881 and remains one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in North America.
Designed by architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride Plan, it was intended to house around 250 patients, emphasizing fresh air and natural light for therapeutic purposes. The hospital opened in 1864 but rapidly became overcrowded, with over 2,400 patients at its peak in the 1950s, often living in harsh and unsanitary conditions.
Throughout its history, the asylum faced challenges including funding shortages, understaffing, and a wide variety of patients admitted for reasons ranging from genuine mental illness to social behaviors like laziness or domestic troubles. The building was used as a military post during the Civil War, changing hands between the Union and Confederates.
The asylum was renamed several times, closing finally in 1994 when patients were moved to a modern facility. Since then, the site has been preserved as a historic landmark, open for tours that showcase its architectural significance and complex, often somber history, including its role in early psychiatric care and social attitudes towards mental illness.
| Address | 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, United States |
| Opened | 1864 |
| Area | 11 ha |
| Architect | Richard Snowden Andrews |
| Owner | Joe Jordan |
| Built | Constructed 1858–1881. Opened to patients 1864 |
| Phone | +1 304-269-5070 |
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is located in West Virginia, United States.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is situated in the state of West Virginia.
The main phone number for the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is +1 304-269-5070.
The address of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, United States.
Yes, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia.
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