I’ve got a couple of historic places to share with you as we head into this Halloween weekend. They are pretty, but with an interesting and kinda creepy past. Both in Staunton, Virginia.
This building was opened in 1828 as part of the Western State Lunatic Asylum. This is the Administration Building or Building 12. It’s one of many on the property that made up a complex that was later known as the Western State Hospital. It began as a resort-style complex where patients could plant flowers and take walks to see the mountain views. After overcrowding became a problem in the early 19th century, things changed considerably. Ankle and wrist restraints became common and straitjackets were used. It was also a place where forced steralization, electric shock, and lobotomies were practiced. Joseph DeJarnette was director of the hospital from 1906 to 1943. His name will come up during tomorrow’s feature so remember him.
A new campus for the hospital was constructed in the 1960s and the patients were moved to the new site. It then became the Staunton Correctional Center, a medium-security men’s penitentiary and operated as such until 2003. It was vacant for a bit before being turned into condos in 2008.
This particular building is now The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center. Named for the architect that originally built it in 1828. Thomas R. Blackburn was an apprentice to Thomas Jefferson. The hotel has 49 unique rooms and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
