In Weston, WV lies:
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world, next to the Kremlin. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride plan, which called for long rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, assuring that each of the connecting structures received an abundance of therapeutic sunlight and fresh air. The original hospital, designed to house 250 souls, was open to patients in 1864 and reached its peak in the 1950's with 2,400 patients in overcrowded and generally poor conditions. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the facility forced its closure in 1994 inflicting a devastating effect on the local economy, from which it has yet to recover.
It's about 4 hours from the DC area (maybe more for you CAMMers in MD, DE and PA)
I am looking at their different tour packages:
The Asylum has had apparition sightings, unexplainable voices and sounds, and other paranormal activity reported in the past by guests, staff, SyFy's Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters Academy and the Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures. Step back in time and see how the mentally insane lived, and died, within these walls.
Thousands have been committed to the asylum over the years, and hundreds unfortunately died here. Decide for yourself if they’re still occupying the historic wards and treatment rooms.
Daytime tours of all four floors are available, but to take your Asylum experience to another dimension, call and schedule or purchase tickets online, for one of our evening tours. The paranormal tour, ghost hunt, or for the really adventurous, the private ghost hunt.
Paranormal Tours (2 hours)
These tours last approximately two hours (10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.). This is a guided tour of the 4 hottest spots in this 242,000 sq. foot Asylum. Once everyone is registered, we'll break the groups up and assign guides. Bring your camera, digital recorder, EMF meter, etc... Make sure you stay with your guide. You never know what could happen if you break from the group.
Cost is $40 per person.
Dates currently available are: 02/08, 04/05, 04/19 and 05/03
They will sell fast. Buy your tickets here.
Daytime Paranormal Tours (1.5 hours)
This is a daylight version of our Paranormal tour given only on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. This is a guided tour of the hottest spots in this 242,000 sq. foot Asylum.
Tickets for these tours can only be purchased in person and are first come first served.
Cost is $35 per person.
Flashlight Tours (30 minutes)
During the special events at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum we also offer Flashlight tours of the historic Kirkbride building and the Medical Center! Flashlight tours are 30 minute half historic and half paranormal tours.
Tickets are first come first serve and are available on site only.
Cost is $10 per person.
*Tickets to ghost hunts do not include tickets to any other activities at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
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I am trying to gauge some interest now. I.E. what date/month might work for everyone. It seems like we have a Marauder meet-up event pretty much every month. also I don't know if it's worthwhile to drive 4 hours for a tour, so maybe I can look into the surrounding area for additional activities to do.
anyways, trying to get this on the radar. i know it might not be able to work on everyone's schedule but if we get a handful to try it out, might be something we can look to do next year. Also it's halfway to Louisville, so maybe get some of the Ohio and Kentucky folks to meet us?