The Haunting of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum



The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, located in Weston, West Virginia, is one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Originally known as the Weston State Hospital, this massive Gothic structure operated as a psychiatric hospital from 1864 to 1994. With its long history of overcrowding, mistreatment, and tragic deaths, it is no surprise that the asylum has gained a reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors, ghost hunters, and former staff members have reported apparitions, eerie voices, shadow figures, and unexplained phenomena throughout the facility.

A History of Tragedy

The asylum was originally designed to hold 250 patients in a peaceful, therapeutic setting. However, by the 1950s, overcrowding became severe, with the hospital housing over 2,400 patients—nearly ten times its intended capacity. Patients, many of whom suffered from severe mental illnesses, were subjected to cruel treatments, including lobotomies, electroshock therapy, and isolation. Some were abandoned by their families, while others died within the asylum’s walls under neglectful and inhumane conditions.

Over the years, thousands of souls passed through its halls, leaving behind a residual energy that many believe still lingers today.

Paranormal Hotspots at the Asylum

The Civil War Wing

Before it became an asylum, the building was used as a military post during the Civil War. Soldiers who died here are said to still haunt the area. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, voices, and even seeing full-bodied apparitions of soldiers in old uniforms. Some have felt cold spots and the sensation of being watched.

The Fourth Floor

This floor is considered one of the most active in the asylum.

Witnesses claim to have seen shadow figures darting across the hallways.

Strange whispers and disembodied voices are often heard.

Some have experienced the terrifying feeling of being followed by an unseen presence.

The Women’s Ward

This area once housed female patients, many of whom suffered horrific treatments.

A ghostly woman in a hospital gown has been seen wandering the halls.

Unexplained crying and moaning have been heard in the dead of night.

Lily’s Room

One of the most well-known spirits of the asylum is Lily, a young girl believed to have died at the hospital.

Visitors claim to hear laughter and the sound of a ball bouncing in her former room.

Some have reported toys mysteriously moving on their own.

The "Lobotomy Room"

Many patients underwent experimental and brutal lobotomies in this part of the asylum.

People have felt uneasy, nauseous, and overwhelmed in this room.

Ghostly screams and cries for help have been heard.

Paranormal Investigations and Evidence

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has been investigated by some of the most well-known paranormal teams, including those from Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, and Destination Fear. Evidence collected includes:

EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) capturing voices saying “help me” or calling out names.

Shadow figures caught on camera, appearing and disappearing in an instant.

Doors slamming shut on their own, despite no wind or human interaction.

A Place of Lingering Spirits

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum remains a dark and mysterious place, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Whether it’s the spirits of former patients, lost souls seeking peace, or the energy of those who suffered inside its walls, the asylum continues to be one of the most chilling and active haunted locations in America.