West Virginia, with its rugged landscapes and rich history, is home to several fascinating abandoned places that speak to the state’s industrial and cultural past. From once-thriving mining towns to haunting hospitals, these sites provide a unique glimpse into the history of West Virginia. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in West Virginia for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston, West Virginia)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, built in 1864, is one of the most famous abandoned places in West Virginia. This massive Gothic-style building was once a psychiatric hospital and is rumored to be haunted. Closed in 1994, the asylum is now open for guided tours, where visitors can explore its decaying wards, eerie hallways, and dark history. The asylum's reputation as one of the most haunted places in the U.S. draws ghost hunters and explorers alike.
2. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park (Rock, West Virginia)
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park was built in the 1920s and became a popular family destination. However, after several accidents and deaths, the park was closed in 1966. Today, rusting Ferris wheels, overgrown swings, and abandoned rides stand as eerie reminders of the park’s dark past. The site is considered haunted and is a popular spot for ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
3. Thurmond Ghost Town (Thurmond, West Virginia)
Once a bustling coal town, Thurmond is now a well-preserved ghost town located in the New River Gorge. At its peak in the early 20th century, Thurmond was a major railroad hub, but the town was largely abandoned after the decline of the coal industry. Today, visitors can explore the town’s deserted buildings, old railroad station, and crumbling homes. Thurmond offers a haunting glimpse into West Virginia’s industrial past.
4. Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster Site (Ansted, West Virginia)
The Hawks Nest Tunnel was constructed in the 1930s, but during its construction, hundreds of workers died due to unsafe working conditions and exposure to silica dust. The tunnel, which now serves as part of a hydroelectric project, remains a tragic site. The nearby town of Gauley Bridge was heavily impacted by the disaster, and some buildings remain abandoned. The tunnel and the ghost town offer a somber reminder of one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history.
5. Coalwood (Coalwood, West Virginia)
Coalwood, made famous by the memoir Rocket Boys (which inspired the movie October Sky), was once a thriving mining town. After the coal mines closed, the town was gradually abandoned. Visitors to Coalwood can still find remnants of old mining equipment, decaying houses, and the empty streets of this forgotten town. The decaying buildings provide a haunting view into the lives of the miners and their families.
6. West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville, West Virginia)
The West Virginia Penitentiary, opened in 1876, was a maximum-security prison that housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals until its closure in 1995. The prison’s Gothic architecture, with its decaying cells, dark corridors, and empty execution chamber, creates an eerie atmosphere. Today, the penitentiary is open for tours and is rumored to be haunted, making it a popular destination for both history buffs and ghost hunters.
7. Whipple Company Store (Scarbro, West Virginia)
The Whipple Company Store was built in 1890 and served as the main hub for the local coal mining community. The store sold goods, housed a doctor’s office, and even had a mortuary in the basement. After the decline of the coal industry, the store was abandoned. Today, its crumbling structure and dark history make it a haunting reminder of West Virginia’s mining past. The building has become a popular destination for those interested in the history of coal towns and ghost stories.
8. Nuttallburg (Fayette County, West Virginia)
Nuttallburg was once a thriving coal town in the 1800s, founded by John Nuttall. After the decline of the coal industry, the town was abandoned in the mid-20th century. Visitors to Nuttallburg can explore the remains of the coal tipple, conveyor systems, and overgrown buildings that once supported the local mining industry. Nestled in the New River Gorge, this ghost town offers a blend of natural beauty and haunting history.
9. Sweet Springs Resort (Sweet Springs, West Virginia)
The Sweet Springs Resort, originally built in 1792, was once a luxury spa and hotel known for its healing mineral waters. Over the years, the resort was transformed into a hospital and later a nursing home before being abandoned in the 1990s. The grand Georgian architecture is now in a state of decay, with overgrown grounds, crumbling walls, and empty rooms giving it a haunting atmosphere. Efforts to restore the property are underway, but for now, it remains a popular spot for explorers.
10. Kaymoor Mine (New River Gorge, West Virginia)
Kaymoor Mine was one of the most productive coal mines in West Virginia before it closed in the 1960s. The abandoned mine and surrounding buildings, including an old coal tipple, conveyor belts, and workers’ homes, are accessible via hiking trails in the New River Gorge. While much of the site is overgrown, the decaying remnants of the mine offer a fascinating look into the region’s mining history.
Conclusion
West Virginia’s abandoned places offer a haunting and fascinating look into the state’s rich history, from its industrial roots to its ghost towns and haunted sites. These locations provide an intriguing exploration experience for those interested in the past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, West Virginia’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into the state’s forgotten history.
