Taunton State Hospital, a psychiatric facility located on Hodges Avenue in Taunton, Massachusetts, has a rich and complex history. Established in 1854 as the State Lunatic Hospital at Taunton, it was the second state asylum in Massachusetts. Designed by architects Elbridge Boyden and Thomas Silloway, the hospital’s original structure featured a unique neo-classical style, making it an architectural rarity. Situated on a 154-acre farm along the Mill River, the hospital followed the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized the importance of natural light and fresh air in treating mental health patients.
Architectural and Structural Evolution
The Taunton State Hospital complex expanded over the years to include more than forty buildings and structures. The main building, known as the Kirkbride Building, was a centerpiece of the hospital until its closure in 1975. The hospital’s design included distinctive features such as breezeways added in the 1890s, which connected the wards to the infirmary buildings. The complex was adorned with cupolas, a large dome, cast-iron capitals, and barred windows, contributing to its unique architectural personality.
Expansion and Growth
In response to the rising patient population, the Massachusetts General Court commissioned the establishment of Taunton State Hospital in 1851. The hospital opened in April 1854, providing much-needed relief for the overcrowded Worcester State Hospital. The campus, strategically located on a hill, adhered to the Kirkbride Plan’s principles of therapeutic environmental design.
Throughout its history, the hospital underwent several expansions. In the early 1870s and again between 1887 and 1906, new buildings were added to accommodate the growing number of patients. From the 1930s onwards, additional facilities such as juvenile centers, crisis centers, sick wards, and group homes were integrated into the campus.
Decline and Deterioration
By the mid-20th century, the hospital’s main building had fallen into disrepair. In 1975, the Kirkbride Building was closed and abandoned. The property continued to deteriorate, and in 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district.
The hospital faced further challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 1999, the main dome of the administration building collapsed. A significant fire on March 19, 2006, caused extensive damage to the administration and theater sections, leading to their subsequent demolition. The remaining wings of the Kirkbride Building, already in a state of decay, were demolished in May 2009. Salvage operations during this period recovered various architectural elements, including granite, bricks, timbers, iron gates, vintage plumbing and lighting fixtures, furniture, and slate roofing tiles, which were sold across the United States.
Legacy and Current Status
Despite the demolition of its historic buildings, the legacy of Taunton State Hospital endures. Many of the newer buildings on the campus remain in use, continuing to serve the mental health needs of the community. The hospital’s history reflects broader trends in psychiatric care and architectural design, illustrating the evolution of mental health treatment practices over the past century and a half.
Taunton State Hospital stands as a testament to the changing attitudes towards mental health care and the architectural innovations of the 19th century. While much of the original structure is gone, its impact on the field of psychiatry and its place in Massachusetts’ history remain significant.
