Campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital

West elevation - St. Elizabeths Hospital, Stable, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue Southeast, Washington, District of Columbia, DC HABS DC-349-Q-1.tif-->

Blackburn Laboratory St. Elizabeths 2020-->

Campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital is a significant historical and architectural site located in Washington, D.C., United States. The campus has played a crucial role in the development of psychiatric care in the United States and is notable for its extensive grounds and collection of buildings designed for the care and treatment of the mentally ill.

History

The St. Elizabeths Hospital was established in 1855 as the Government Hospital for the Insane, with the primary aim of providing care for mentally ill residents of the District of Columbia and members of the U.S. Army and Navy. The hospital's campus was designed to be a self-contained community with facilities for treatment, work, and recreation, reflecting the Kirkbride Plan, an architectural concept that promoted the therapeutic benefits of natural light, fresh air, and a serene environment.

Over the years, the campus expanded to include over 300 acres and numerous buildings, including patient wards, administrative buildings, a chapel, and recreational facilities. The design and layout of the campus reflect the evolution of psychiatric care practices and the shift towards more humane treatment of the mentally ill.

Architecture

The architecture of the St. Elizabeths Hospital campus is a mix of various styles, including Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, and Modernist, reflecting the different periods of construction and architectural trends over the hospital's history. Many of the buildings were designed with large windows and spacious interiors to provide a healing environment for patients.

Preservation and Current Use

In recent years, the campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital has been the focus of preservation efforts due to its historical and architectural significance. Parts of the campus have been designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its importance in American history and psychiatry.

The west campus is currently managed by the District of Columbia and has been partially redeveloped for mixed-use, including residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The east campus is still used for mental health services, operated by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health.

Future Developments

Plans for the future development of the St. Elizabeths Hospital campus include the continuation of preservation efforts for historic buildings, as well as the integration of new facilities to serve the community. These developments aim to respect the site's historical significance while providing for the needs of current and future residents and visitors.

See Also

• History of Psychiatry
• Kirkbride Plan
• National Historic Landmark