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The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, also known as the Weston State Hospital, is quite the impressive and foreboding place. I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the building and grounds while on a business trip and, given my love of old structures, I naturally jumped at the chance. In case you’re wondering… no, they did not keep me there, haha! The property is now owned privately and the proprietors give tours of the place to raise money for restoration. They do not admit folks for treatment any longer.
The tour was great. Tour guides, dressed up as nurses from back in the day, led the group around the property all the while giving informative accounts of the history surrounding the hospital. I wish I could recount all the stories I heard, but I’m afraid to say that I was too trigger happy with my camera to retain much of it. What I can tell you is that it was quite interesting.
Of course the old buildings are rumored to be haunted. I personally don’t have a very hard time believing that since the place is pretty creepy and especially given its gruesome background. If you’re brave enough, they also provide ghost tours, which sound both fascinating and frightening to me. I haven’t yet had the chance to go back and participate in such a tour, but I can imagine it’s not for the faint of heart.
So if you’re looking for something new and fun to do one weekend, or maybe feeling in the mood for something spooky, you may just want to check in to The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – just make sure they let you check out.
