About this episode

This episode explores the history and treatment methods of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum from 1893 to 1940.

Send us Fan Mail This week we look at the expansion of the asylum around the turn of the 20th century. Find out what types of treatment were used, learn what unusual (and sad) reasons got people committed to the asylum, and discover who was setting a series of dangerous fires. Learn more about influenza and tuberculosis treatment at the hospital, as well. The main source for this episode is the book The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake. Support the show on...

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Sarah Gallup

Topics covered

• history
• mental health
• asylum treatment
• 20th century
• fire incidents
• influenza
• tuberculosis

Keywords

• Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
• asylum history
• mental health treatment
• 20th century psychiatry
• influenza treatment
• tuberculosis treatment
• fire incidents

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Books & works: The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

More episodes of Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

• Ep. 100: History of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Part 3 (1940-2026) · January 19, 2026 · 35 min
• Ep. 98: History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Part 1 (1858-1893) · December 8, 2025 · 37 min
• Ep. 97: Interview with Jacqui Sanders · October 27, 2025 · 53 min
• Ep. 96: History of the Fernald State School (1950-2014) · September 28, 2025 · 35 min
• Ep. 95: History of the Fernald State School (1912-1949) · September 1, 2025 · 33 min
• Ep. 94: History of the Fernald State School (1889-1912) · August 10, 2025 · 36 min

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