Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital, originally known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Taunton, is a historic psychiatric hospital located in Taunton, Massachusetts. Established in 1854, it was the second state asylum in Massachusetts and one of the earliest in the United States, reflecting the growing movement towards the treatment and care of the mentally ill in specialized facilities.

History

The hospital was designed following the Kirkbride Plan, a concept devised by Thomas Story Kirkbride, which advocated for airy, well-ventilated, and naturally lit environments for the treatment of mental illness. The original structure was an imposing Gothic Revival building, embodying the optimism of 19th-century psychiatric care. Over the years, the facility expanded to include numerous buildings and services, adapting to the changing approaches to mental health care.

During its peak, Taunton State Hospital not only provided psychiatric care but also functioned as a self-sufficient community with its own farm, workshops, and recreational facilities. However, like many institutions of its kind, it faced challenges including overcrowding and underfunding, which impacted the quality of care.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the shift towards deinstitutionalization and the development of modern psychiatric medications and outpatient services led to a decline in the patient population. Parts of the hospital were closed, and several buildings fell into disrepair.

Notable Aspects

Taunton State Hospital is notable for several reasons, including its architectural significance and its role in the history of psychiatric care. It has also been the subject of various urban legends and ghost stories, reflecting the public's fascination with historic mental health institutions.

Preservation and Current Use

Efforts have been made to preserve the remaining historic structures of Taunton State Hospital. Some buildings have been repurposed, while others await restoration. The site continues to serve the community, albeit in a much-reduced capacity compared to its heyday.

In Popular Culture

The hospital has captured the imagination of many and has been featured in various forms of media, contributing to the mystique surrounding old psychiatric institutions.

See Also

• Kirkbride Plan
• History of psychiatric institutions
• Deinstitutionalization