As you can imagine, we do a bit of research here at OnlyInYourState.com and every so often we encounter an oddball, weird fact that’s worth sharing (like these 11 facts that are almost too bizarre to believe). But this one involves a notorious international regime known for dictators – and a famous building in West Virginia. Can you put it together yet? If not, read on…
Want to know the biggest (literally) thing the Mountain State has in common with Russia? It all comes down to two buildings; in particular it involves the construction of said buildings.
Wikipedia/Wilson44691
Practically everyone in West Virginia is familiar with the famous Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. It operated as a state psychiatric hospital from 1864 to 1994. Over the 130 years the asylum was in operation, scores of people died in this building. It currently operates as a facility where ghost tours can be taken, day and night.The massive structure is constructed from hand-cut sandstone, a labor-intensive process. At 242,000 square feet it has something in common with one of the most notorious buildings in Russia. The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a hand-cut sandstone building that is second is size only to the official residence of the Russian Dictator.
Wikipedia/Malepheasant
The Grand Kremlin Palace, the official home of Vladimir Putin (although it may not be his common residence) is the largest building in the world made of hand-cut sandstone. At 259,410 square feet, the Palace is only slightly bigger than the lunatic asylum in West Virginia.
Flickr/ Juan Llanos
And there are further similarities…
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Just like the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, the Grand Kremlin Palace towers over the local landscape.
Flickr/Dave Gray
The interiors are, of course, quite different in style. Shown below is The Hall of the Order of St. Vladimir in the Grand Kremlin Palace. As an official state building it has opulence and flair.
Wikipedia/Kremlin.ru (www.kremlin.ru)
To the contrary, the current rendition of the lunatic asylum (as a haunted tours facility and sometimes event venue) is more down to earth and provides maximum comfort for both visitors — and ghosts.
Google Maps/Chris Clark
Have you had the pleasure (or fright, depending on your disposition) of touring the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum? We’d love to know!
Google Maps/Chris Clark
Also, look closely at this photo. Can you say for sure which building this is? Is it the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum — or is it a close up of detail work on the facade of the Grand Kremlin Palace? In the photo shown above, the foundation of the palace (approximately 10 feet high) is exposed, unpainted sandstone just like in this photo. What do you think?
Flickr/PatrickRohe
From a huge diamond found in the bed of a creek to these 11 amazing and less odd incredible facts, there’s never a dull moment in the Mountain State!
Wikipedia/Wilson44691
Wikipedia/Malepheasant
Flickr/ Juan Llanos
Flickr/Zach McCormick
Flickr/Dave Gray
Wikipedia/Kremlin.ru (www.kremlin.ru)
Google Maps/Chris Clark
Flickr/PatrickRohe
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