Oregon State Hospital Historic District

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Oregon State Hospital Historic District

The Oregon State Hospital Historic District is a historic district located in Salem, Oregon, United States. The district encompasses the main campus of the Oregon State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital that has been in operation since 1883. The historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

History

The Oregon State Hospital was originally established as the Oregon State Insane Asylum in 1883. The hospital was designed to provide care and treatment for individuals with mental illness from across the state of Oregon. The original building, known as the J Building, was designed in the Kirkbride Plan style, which was a popular architectural style for mental asylums in the 19th century.

Over the years, the hospital expanded with the addition of several new buildings and facilities. The historic district includes a variety of structures that were built between 1883 and 1958, reflecting different architectural styles and periods of development.

Architecture

The architecture of the Oregon State Hospital Historic District is notable for its diversity and historical significance. The original J Building is an example of the Kirkbride Plan architecture, characterized by its long, narrow wings designed to maximize light and ventilation for patients. Other buildings within the district exhibit styles such as Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Art Deco.

Significance

The Oregon State Hospital Historic District is significant for its association with the history of mental health care in Oregon and for its collection of historic buildings. The district provides insight into the evolution of psychiatric treatment and the architectural trends that influenced the design of mental health facilities.

Preservation

Efforts to preserve the historic district have included the restoration of key buildings and the documentation of the site's history. The Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health is located within the district and offers exhibits and educational programs about the history of the hospital and mental health care.

Notable Buildings

• J Building: The original structure built in 1883, designed in the Kirkbride Plan style.
• Dome Building: An example of Colonial Revival architecture.
• North and South Cottages: Built in the early 20th century, these buildings reflect the Tudor Revival style.

See Also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Oregon
• List of historic districts in Oregon
• Mental health in the United States