Weston Hospital officially haunted, Ghost Hunters declares

[BubbleShot]

I learned alot when I went back last year. I had a very informative guide also. Makes you understand how far we have come on the rights of ppl that have illnesses and the fact that some ppl (mostly women) were put in there for reasons that they could not control. It was a real eye opener for me and I hope to be back this year. I was there around Halloween last year and really enjoyed the tours. I went on both tours so if you go remember to dress really warm for the night haunted tour and wear gloves, something to keep your head warm and extra socks, it was really cold. Good luck, BTW I got pictures of some really good orbs.

[Lauren]

I am from weston to. I suppose they are giving Ghost tours because they need to make cash. Or just to satisfy people. Thanks you guys. and if there is anymore tips, please let me know. thanks.

Lauren.

[Nancy]

I have been to the Tran-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum several times and taken tours. I've also written travel articles about West Virginia, the Civil War Discovery Trail AND the Asylum. I have heavily researched this place for my articles and there are several fallacies people are posting here...

First, the original name of the place, when it was being built by the state of Virginia was the "Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum". Before the state could finish the site, the Civil War broke out. WV finished building it after the war ended, as it was now a new state and responsible for it. The state also repaid the state of Virginia the money that was stolen from the vault of the bank during the ear in 1953.

Second, the hospital was operated ALWAYS utilizing the "Kirkbride Method" where airy hallways, sunny rooms and work were used to help the patients regain a sense of usefulness. The hospital was ALWAYS humane in their treatment of their patients.

Third, the owners, as well as all the guides, are more respectful of the history of the building than many of the posters here. Mental illness is not a joke to them and the patients that lived there, some their entire lives, are remembered with reverence.

Fourth, were it not for the current owners, the building would have been torn down by the state long ago. The owners don't want historical grants because they are too restrictive and all-consuming. The owners wish to restore the building correctly. They bought it for $1.5 million and it needs repairs - lots of expensive repairs. It needs a new roof and that will cost about $5 million.

Last, the building and grounds recently became part of the Civil War Discovery Trail and its history as an integral part of the Civil War has been incorporated into the tours.

What these guys are doing is fantastic. They saved a beloved old building from destruction, they are trying to restore it to its original splendor, they are giving jobs to the people of Weston, they love what they do. So they have to be more than a little bit of a capitalist to do it? I'm really okay with that. The name is what it is... It was on the original plans for the building and it's historically accurate. Get over it. Just because you're not comfortable with history doesn't mean you should change it to suit your sensibilities.

And, yes, I DO have a t-shirt from the place, as does my son. I didn't get the key chain since I already have one but I DID give coffee mugs to folks as gifts upon my return home. This building brings in HUGE tourism dollars to the state of West Virginia and it should be applauded. Weston was suffering with the closure of the hospital as it was a major employer. The town is revitalized since it opened again as a tourist attraction. Before passing judgment, how about taking a tour, listening to the well-informed guides and learn not just about the buildings history but about American History. When you're done there, have dinner at one of the local diners - I recommend Stonewall Resort's buffet, reservations required.

[sam]

What do you expect from a bunch of stupid rednecks??