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."
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- 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 hospitals volunteer coordinator at (509) 299-4280.
- Website http://www.esh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov/
- Address 4601 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
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