The history of mental illness is fascinating, to say the least. Like many conditions, our understanding and knowledge of mental illness have come a far way from the treatments and perceptions of the past. Up until the end of the 20th century, treatment of the mentally ill in Virginia, and around the world, ranged from severe cruelty and deplorable conditions, to misguided, but well-intended practices. The following 5 old asylums in Virginia, including the first-ever mental hospital in the United States, show the variance of care and conditions provided to those with mental afflictions. All but one has been abandoned, but the eerie ghosts of times past clearly remain.
1. Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, Williamsburg
The Public Hospital in Colonial Williamsburg is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the nation and the first hospital specifically purposed for treatment of the mentally ill. Founded in 1773, the Public Hospital was built at a time when mental illness was not diagnosed by a doctor, but rather by a jury-like group of 12 citizens who gave a verdict of "criminal, lunatic, or idiot".
advertisement
As with many early asylums, conditions were barbaric and patients lived in small cells outfitted with only a straw mattress and chamber pot. When John Minson Galt II took over the hospital in 1841, conditions improved as "moral management" began being used for treatment, emphasizing self-control, work therapy, and leisure activities. Patients were given beds and other "luxuries," while activities like lectures, concerts, and visits into town were provided along with a library and workshops for sewing, carpentry, and shoemaking to teach practical skills.
The hospital thrived for a time, but a fire in 1865 and continued overcrowding forced the creation of a new facility at Dunbar Farm. The new hospital, now called Eastern State Hospital, remains in operation today.
In 1972, excavation of the original building began and in 1985, a replica, known simply as the "Public Hospital," opened as a museum in Colonial Williamsburg where visitors can see examples of patients' cells and learn about early treatment of mental illness.
2. Central Lunatic Asylum (Central State Mental Hospital), Petersburg
The hospital, once known as Central Lunatic Asylum, was the first facility designated for "colored persons of unsound mind." Before the end of the Civil War, enslaved people could be sent to private asylums if their owners could pay, however, many couldn’t and whites always received priority. The classification of mental illness, particularly among enslaved people, was broad as those who tried to escape were said to be suffering a condition called "drapetomania," believed to be the result of an overly indulgent master. In 1870, the former Howard’s Grove hospital was turned into an asylum specifically for these patients and the current building was built in 1885.
Over the years, causes of "insanity" or "psychosis" included epilepsy, abortion, emancipation, marriage, and typhoid fever. The site eventually included buildings for chronically ill females, delinquent females, and psychopathic men. More of a prison than a hospital, overcrowding, forced restraint, physical cruelty, and forced sterilization are just a few of the atrocities recorded at this site.
The hospital remained exclusive to African Americans until the Civil Rights Acts of 1964. In 1980, more than 1500 patients underwent involuntary sterilization, an act that later played a part in a class-action lawsuit filed by some of the victims requiring the Commonwealth to provide optional reversal procedure to every patient sterilized between 1924 and 1973.
3. Western State Lunatic Asylum (Western State Hospital), Staunton
Western State Lunatic Asylum was opened in 1828. At first, it was a resort-style asylum, focusing on treatment and healing with serene surroundings, terraced gardens, and mountain views. However, by the mid 19th century, practices started to shift to more common and cruel practices of the day, including straitjackets, restraints, lobotomies, and forced sterilization. Dr. Joseph DeJarnette served as superintendent from 1905-1943 and was perhaps one the most vocal advocates of eugenics, or compulsory sterilization of the mentally ill. Although forced sterilizations ended with a federal ban in the 1970s, electroshock therapy, and lobotomies continued.
The facility relocated in the 1970s and the grounds were turned into a prison until closing in the early 2000s. The adjoining cemetery holds nearly 3,000 graves, many unmarked.
The DeJarnette Sanitarium began in 1932 as a semi-private facility associated with Western State Hospital. Named after Dr. Joseph DeJarnette, Western State's superintendent, it broke away from the hospital in 1946 and became a fully private institution for the mentally ill and those with drug and alcohol addictions. DeJarnette was a notorious proponent of forced sterilization of anyone seen as "unfit," including the mentally ill, although it is unlikely that sterilizations were performed at the Sanitarium.
In 1972, the Sanitarium was renamed the DeJarnette Center for Human Development and switched its focus to children and adolescents with severe mental disturbance. In the late 80s, lack of funding and deteriorating buildings caused patients to be relocated to the new adolescent ward of the Western State Hospital at its new (and current) location and the building was abandoned in 1996. Now owned by the Frontier Culture Museum, the fate of the DeJarnette buildings are in question as plans are being considered for a shopping mall.
5. Southwestern Lunatic Asylum (Southwestern State Hospital), Marion
When it was built in 1887, the Southwestern Lunatic Asylum was considered to be the most modern and economical asylum of its time. The asylum was founded to meet the needs of the mentally ill in southwest Virginia, because the nearest hospitals in Williamsburg and Staunton already faced overcrowding. For the first several decades of its operation, the facility was self-sustaining, providing a farm-like atmosphere including livestock and patient-farmed crops that fed both staff and patients. In 1902, the facility was renamed Southwestern State Hospital. Over time, the hospital continued to add recreational and farming opportunities, as well as expanding its patient base with the creation of a ward for the criminally insane in 1913.
Many of the patients in the early part of the 20th century suffered from conditions like syphilis-related dementia, tuberculosis, and pellagra, a vitamin deficiency that caused dementia, although the hospital also cared for mentally and emotionally disturbed patients, as well as those with physical ailments like epilepsy. In 1951, the first lobotomies were performed, but the practice was short-lived.
Still in operation today, Southwestern State Hospital has seen many changes over 125 years, both in diagnoses and subsequent treatments. However, they have remained true to their original operating principle of "swift recovery for the mentally ill" and continue to provide high-quality care for psychiatric patients.
I think there is one thing that we can all agree on when looking back on these old asylums in Virginia, and that is that we've come a long way in both understanding and care at mental health facilities. It's hard to imagine a time when things were so primitive. What do you know about these old asylums in Virginia? Tell us in the comments below?
The Story of This Abandoned Place in Leesburg, Virginia is Truly Fascinating
Paxton Manor has an interesting history filled with tall tales and haunting ghost stories. Do you believe the stories surrounding this historic Virginia home?
Paxton Manor stands as a proud example of fine 1800’s architecture. The mansion fits nicely in its surroundings in the historic Leesburg, but there are legends surrounding this estate. This property has seen quite a bit over the years, but what is concerning is what ghosts still remain from long ago. Stories of dark figures moving through the shadows at night are enough to send a chill down your back, so let us learn more about this haunted house in Virginia.
advertisement
Paxton Manor was built in 1872 for a gentleman named Charles R. Paxton and his wife, Rachel. This was a rather large home for a small family since the couple only had one child named Margaret. The last surviving member of the family was Rachel, who lived in the home until 1921. After the tragic loss of her child, Rachel devoted the rest of her life to taking care of children who were in need. The property became an orphanage that lasted long after Rachel died.
Town homes in downtown Leesburg, Virginia.
Like most things that have been around for a long time, there was a certain errieness to the property. Naturally, rumors and stories started to circulate about the potential hauntings happening in the Paxton Manor.
The property was located close to the Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, which was home to a bloody skirmish during the Civil War. Stories started to circulate that the ghosts of deceased soldiers had found their way into the manor. However, this battle took place years before the manor was ever constructed.
A soldier running with his rifle, is sculpture for the1st Minnesota Infantry dedicated in 1897, at Gettysburg National Military Park.
Still, more legends circulated about the orphanage. There were reports of seeing ghosts of children wandering the halls of the mansion. Others mentioned feeling pushed, and items mysteriously went missing around the property. This surge of paranormal activity spawned a creative event that used to take place around Halloween called Shocktober.
The event played up on the storied past of Paxton Manor and offered a month-long haunted house for guests to enjoy. While the event took place, nerves were up, and many people reported having encounters with the dead while there. This spooky house offered more than they bargained for because you never knew when you might be terrified by the real thing.
The event no longer takes place but the property is being put to good use. The Arc of Loudoun now owns the place and uses it to help children with disabilities. So even though Rachel, the original homeowner, had been gone now for over one hundred years, her home is still there to help children to this very day.
Not every ghost story ends in a tragic death. It certainly is not the case with the Paxton Manor in Leesburg, Virginia. This historic home had a heartwarming turn of events and is being used for good to this very day. You can’t go looking for ghosts on the land anymore but don’t worry, ghost hunters, we have plenty more scary places in Virginia to explore. You can even spend the night in this haunted Airbnb if you dare…
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
