Danvers State Insane Asylum

Last weekend I went to Danvers, Massachusetts; the home of what is probably the most famous abandoned insane asylum in the world. It was designed by the famous architect Nathaniel J. Bradlee. The main building was erected in 1878 and for a long time it was considered one of the most human treatment facilities for mentally ill patients in the world. However starting in the early 20th century budget cuts and overpopulation started this institution down a long road of decline. In 1992 the hospital was closed because of budget cuts to the mental health system.

The hospital is in the process of being torn down to make room for new a new housing development. Loosing this piece of history makes me sad.