Historic Hotel Has a Dark Past That Might Make People Rethink Visiting

Ready to raise the roof on a hotel that has all the creep factor? Then, we'd like to introduce you to the Blackburn Inn, a self-described "hotel with history" that came to our attention by way of TikTok creator Beckie-Ann Galentine . And boy, what a history it is.

Nestled in Staunton, VA, this hotel was once the Western State Lunatic Asylum, dating all the way back to 1828. The original building owes its creation to Thomas Blackburn and it is made up of 22 specially designed buildings, it was touted as providing some of the best mental healthcare in the U.S. at that time. (Not saying much for the 19th century, but there’s that!) It was initially a “resort-style asylum” with terrace gardens and roof walks offering stunning mountain views.

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But the good vibes didn’t last long. By the mid-19th century, the facility had become overcrowded, and new, less humane techniques were being practiced. After hospital director Francis T. Stribling, a UVA grad who embraced “moral medicine,” passed away in 1874, things took a dark turn. The asylum became infamous for its forced sterilizations, electroshock therapy, lobotomies, shackling of patients, and an unsettling fondness for straitjackets. In other words, all the terrifying, horrifying, heartbreaking things we wish had never happened but can't turn a blind eye to.

Flash forward to 1976, and the hospital was moved to its current site near Interstate 81. The old facility was then converted into the Staunton Correctional Center, a medium-security men’s penitentiary. Fast forward again to 2003, and the prison closed, leaving the complex vacant for several years. New owners purchased the land and began redeveloping it building by building. The main administration building was renovated and transformed into what is now the Blackburn Inn, followed by the addition of a Conference Center and Spa.

The Blackburn Inn is now a member of Historic Hotels of America and has become a quaint, gorgeous place for people to enjoy a sleek and elegant interior with cozy elements. The lawns, gazebos , and patios provide an ideal setting to soak in the serene property, which sits on 80 acres of well-manicured grounds in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The hotel's art gallery features original artwork by local Virginia artists, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the place. Of course, remnants of its spooky past remain, such as the painted-over asylum doors and a graveyard right outside.

Fancy a trip this spooky season? The Blackburn Inn might just be the perfect spot for those who enjoy a side of thrill with their relaxation. Or it could be totally haunted - who knows?

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