Located in West Virginia, the Weston State Hospital opened in 1864 as a psychiatric asylum. It was closed in 1996, but not before developing a reputation for administering horrifying treatments to patients.
YouTube channel “Abandoned Steve” was given full access to the asylum in order to take photographs and footage. The hidden areas and objects the explorer discovers are amazing.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, mental illness was not well understood. This hospital tried to treat patients humanely, but some of its practices would horrify us today.
Flickr/Shannon O’Toole
Some patients were brought into the hospital in cages, or bound with ropes.
Flickr/Dave
Once admitted, doctors would administer treatments such as electric shock therapy, bloodletting and hydrotherapy.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Over 25,000 people were lobotomized at this hospital. This procedure involves piercing the brain of a still-conscious person through the eye with an instrument like an ice pick.
Flickr/Zach McCormick
This historic building is undergoing some restoration, and preservation efforts are in full swing. Take a look at the fascinating footage below.
Flickr/Shannon O’Toole
Flickr/Dave
Flickr/Zach McCormick
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