Northampton, Mass., Insane Hospital, Drive-way and Entrance

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

One of three such facilities built by the state of Massachusetts, this hospital opened its doors in 1858. According to the laws of the time, any person who was “insane” for over one year had to be committed to a state facility. They became wards of the state, which had to provide for their care and well-being. The Northampton Insane Hospital was located on a hill one mile outside of the town center. It had beautiful views and numerous pathways for patients’ open-air exercise and recreation.

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Details

Item typeDocumentary Photograph
Postcard
PhotographerHugh C. Leighton Company, Manufacturers
Date1858–1880
PlaceNorthampton, Massachusetts
TopicArchitecture, Buildings
Medical, Health, Disease
EraNational Expansion and Reform, 1816–1860
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861–1877
MaterialPaper
Process/FormatPhotography
Dimension detailsHeight: 3.50 in Width: 5.50 in
Catalog #1997.08.01.0114
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Hugh C. Leighton Company, Manufacturers, photographer. Northampton, Mass., Insane Hospital, Drive-way and Entrance. Photograph. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1997-08-01-0114/. Accessed on October 11, 2024.

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