Eastern State Hospital

America's first public mental health facility

Category Medical Museums

"The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds", as the Eastern State Hospital was first known, was America's first public mental health facility, established 1773 in Williamsburg Virginia. Though the aim was noble, the practices were brutal. Bleeding, bullying, blistering salves, and electrocution were all standard treatments. This was changed under the supervision of one Dr. Galt, who believed the mentally ill were entitled to dignity and could be reintegrated with society.

He also knew that just because the patients were crazy didn't mean they weren't witty. It is said that when hospital sponsor John D. Rockefeller strolled through the grounds and introduced himself to an inmate, the inmate replied, "Oh sure. And I'm Napoleon Bonaparte."

See an error? Know more? Edit this place.

  • Hours Visitors are encouraged and welcome to visit every day of the year. Please contact the hospital for visiting hours and requirements for each unit. Individual or group tours to the hospital and museum can be arranged by calling the hospital’s volunteer coordinator at (509) 299-4280.
  • Website http://www.esh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov/
  • Address 4601 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
Sources
Map/Directions

Go to Google Maps

Post a Comment

to comment. Use your Facebook account to login instantly. Anonymous comments will be held in moderation.

Enter the Captcha code below to confirm you're human:
Captcha Image

Contributors for Eastern State Hospital

Nearby Places

Obscura Day is coming!

Join us March 20th, 2010 in celebrating wondrous and curious places all over the world. RSVP for expeditions and tours at obscuraday.com.

Recent Activity

Facebook

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Email updates

Stay up to date on Atlas Obscura events, tours, and new features.

Elsewhere on the Web