Ep. 77 Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: History of Horrors (Part 1)

Tonight, we return to the haunted halls of another infamous American asylum—this time heading deep into the Appalachian Mountains of Weston, West Virginia, to explore the chilling history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Built as a Kirkbride-style hospital meant to heal, the asylum quickly became overwhelmed by overcrowding, neglect, and brutal treatment methods. From its Civil War beginnings and a gold raid that helped shape the future state of West Virginia, to exploding patient populations, questionable admissions, and experimental medical procedures like insulin shock therapy, electroshock, wet packing, and lobotomies, this place represents one of the darkest eras of mental health care in America. Thousands lived, suffered, and died within its walls—many buried anonymously on the grounds, their names lost to history.

For part one of this two-part episode, we focus on the asylum’s disturbing history and legacy. In part two, we’re joined by Jenni—who listeners may remember from our Pennhurst episodes last year—who has personally visited Trans-Allegheny and shares her firsthand experiences and encounters inside the building.

For the beer, we’re drinking HopHands, a 5.5% American Pale Ale from Tired Hands Brewing Co. out of Ardmore, Pennsylvania—our newly proclaimed friends of the cast. The choice fits a little too well: Trans-Allegheny is known for reports of unseen hands brushing past visitors, scratching, or reaching out in the halls, and the HopHands label is literally covered in reaching hands. Spirits grabbing for help… or maybe just trying to scare the hell out of you.