Northern State Hospital

Northern State Hospital, located in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, was a public psychiatric hospital established in 1912. It was part of a larger system of state hospitals in Washington, designed to provide care for individuals with mental illnesses. The hospital was built with the intention of being a self-sufficient community, including a farm, dairy, and various other facilities to support its operations and therapeutic programs.

History

The establishment of Northern State Hospital was a response to the overcrowded conditions at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, Washington. The state legislature authorized its construction in 1909, and the hospital officially opened its doors in 1912. The hospital's design followed the Kirkbride Plan, a system that emphasized the importance of a serene environment in the treatment of mental illness, although it later deviated from this model in favor of more modern therapeutic methods.

Throughout its years of operation, Northern State Hospital was at the forefront of several treatment methodologies, including occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and the use of insulin shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy. The hospital's approach to treatment was holistic, focusing on both the physical and mental well-being of its patients.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the advent of antipsychotic medication and a shift towards deinstitutionalization led to a gradual decline in the patient population. The hospital eventually closed in 1973, as part of a nationwide move towards community-based treatment for mental illness.

Campus

The Northern State Hospital campus was expansive, covering several hundred acres. It included patient and staff housing, treatment buildings, a farm, and recreational facilities. The hospital's architecture and layout were designed to be therapeutic, with ample green spaces and buildings arranged to maximize natural light and air flow.

After its closure, much of the land was repurposed. Part of the campus became the Northern State Recreation Area, offering hiking trails and open spaces for public use. Other buildings have been used by various organizations and businesses, though many structures remain abandoned and in disrepair.

Legacy

The legacy of Northern State Hospital is complex. While it was considered a model facility in its early years, later assessments have criticized its use of now-discredited treatments and the concept of long-term institutionalization. Today, the site is a reminder of the evolution of mental health care and the move towards more humane and effective treatments.

The hospital is also a subject of interest for historians, paranormal enthusiasts, and urban explorers, drawn by its rich history and the architectural beauty of its abandoned structures. Efforts to preserve the site and its history are ongoing, with some advocating for the restoration of buildings and the creation of a museum to educate the public about the history of mental health care in Washington.