List of sanatoria in the United States

List of Sanatoria in the United States

The United States has a rich history of sanatoria, institutions that were primarily established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to treat chronic illnesses, most notably tuberculosis (TB). Before the advent of antibiotics, sanatoria played a crucial role in public health, offering patients treatment through rest, fresh air, and nutrition. This article provides an overview of notable sanatoria that operated in the United States, many of which have been repurposed or demolished following the decline in TB cases.

History

The concept of sanatoria originated in Europe in the 1830s, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that the idea took hold in the United States, driven by the tuberculosis epidemic. The American Lung Association was instrumental in establishing sanatoria across the country. These institutions were often located in rural areas with clean air and a serene environment, believed to be beneficial for patients with respiratory diseases.

Notable Sanatoria

Eastern United States

• Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium - Founded in 1885 by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau in Saranac Lake, New York, it was one of the first successful sanatoria in the U.S. and served as a model for others.
• Waverly Hills Sanatorium - Located in Louisville, Kentucky, it opened in 1910 and became known as one of the most prominent TB sanatoria in the country. It is now a site of historical tours and paranormal investigations.
• Seaview Hospital - Situated on Staten Island, New York, it was once the largest tuberculosis sanatorium in the United States, opening its doors in 1913.

Midwestern United States

• Herman Kiefer Hospital - Located in Detroit, Michigan, it functioned as a sanatorium for TB patients before transitioning to a general hospital.
• Mount Alto Sanatorium - This facility in Pennsylvania was another significant establishment dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients.

Western United States

• Los Angeles County Sanatorium - Also known as the Olive View Sanatorium, it was established in Sylmar, California, and focused on TB treatment until the disease's decline.
• Colorado State Sanatorium - Located in Sanatorium, Colorado, it was founded to take advantage of the state's sunny climate for the treatment of TB.

Decline and Legacy

The development of the antibiotic streptomycin in 1943, followed by other effective TB treatments, led to a significant decline in the need for sanatoria. Many of these institutions were closed, demolished, or repurposed into hospitals, residential buildings, or other uses. Today, the legacy of sanatoria lives on in the architectural remnants and the role they played in the history of public health.

See Also

• Tuberculosis treatment in the United States
• History of tuberculosis
• Public health in the United States