Alderson Correctional Facility

Alderson Correctional Facility: A Haunted History

The History and Background

Nestled in the lush Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the Alderson Correctional Facility (ACF) stands as a grim reminder of the state’s industrial past. Built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the facility opened its doors to female prisoners on March 15, 1934. Initially constructed with a capacity for 120 women, it rapidly expanded over the decades, eventually housing nearly 1,500 inmates at its peak in 2014.

Key Events or Sightings

The first reported haunting occurred during the facility’s early years when two young female inmates, Edith and Helen, were found dead under mysterious circumstances. On October 31, 1937, Edith was discovered with a fatal head injury in her cell; Helen died just days later of unknown causes. Eyewitnesses claimed to see ethereal figures wandering the hallways around the time of their deaths.

#### The Ghostly Presence

In 1956, an inmate named Mary Anne reported seeing a woman dressed in period clothing hovering outside her cell door. She described the figure as pale and transparent, with long dark hair that swayed like willow branches in an unseen breeze. This sighting was corroborated by another prisoner who later recounted similar encounters.

#### Notable Ghosts

The most famous ghost associated with ACF is known simply as “Lady in White.” Sightings of this spectral figure date back to the 1960s, when it was reported that a corrections officer witnessed her standing at the end of a corridor, just before an inmate committed suicide. The woman wore a white dress and had long, flowing hair. Since then, numerous guards and inmates have claimed to see her in various parts of the facility.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

In 1984, during a routine inspection, a maintenance worker named Robert Smith reported hearing strange whispers echoing through an empty cell block. These voices appeared intermittently over several days, but no one else could confirm their existence. The incident was dismissed as a prank by some, while others attributed it to the spirits of former inmates.

#### Paranormal Investigations

In 2001, paranormal investigators from the Ghost Hunters International team conducted an overnight investigation at ACF. Using thermal imaging cameras and EMF detectors, they captured what appeared to be anomalous temperature drops in specific areas of the facility. One of their most significant findings was a cold spot near where Edith’s body had been found.

Investigations or Research

ACF has attracted numerous paranormal enthusiasts over the years, with some organizations conducting formal investigations. In 2013, The Paranormal Society conducted an extensive study using high-tech equipment and claimed to have documented multiple instances of EMF fluctuations and EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that could not be explained by natural causes.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

In recent years, the facility has undergone significant changes. In 2014, it was announced that ACF would close as part of a national trend towards privatization in correctional facilities. However, despite its closure and subsequent repurposing for other uses, reports of paranormal activity continue to surface.

Today, former employees and visitors occasionally report strange occurrences, such as unexplained noises, shadows moving through empty rooms, and the eerie feeling that they are not alone. Some even claim to have seen Lady in White wandering the grounds or within the old facility’s walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has anyone ever been officially investigated for murder at Alderson Correctional Facility?

A: Yes, two inmates, Edith and Helen, died under suspicious circumstances on October 31, 1937. While the official reports listed their deaths as accidental or natural causes, some have speculated that foul play may have occurred.

Q: Are there any confirmed sightings of Lady in White?

A: Multiple accounts from both inmates and staff members describe seeing a woman dressed in white with long hair wandering through the facility’s hallways. The most notable report came from a corrections officer who witnessed her standing at the end of a corridor moments before an inmate committed suicide.

Q: What scientific evidence exists to support claims of paranormal activity?

A: Paranormal investigators have documented temperature drops, EMF fluctuations, and EVPs using advanced technology. While these phenomena cannot be explained by natural causes alone, they provide compelling evidence for those interested in the supernatural.

Q: Has the facility been repurposed since its closure in 2014?

A: Yes, Alderson Correctional Facility was converted into a youth correctional center and later into a mental health facility. Despite these changes, reports of paranormal activity continue to persist among former employees and visitors.

Q: Are there any plans to open the facility as a tourist attraction or haunted house?

A: There have been discussions about converting ACF into a tourist destination, but safety concerns and ongoing investigations have prevented this from happening. Until further evidence is gathered, it remains closed to public access.