Augusta Mental Health Institute facts for kids
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Maine Insane Hospital
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Augusta Mental Health Institute Complex January 2024
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 67 Independence Drive, Augusta, Maine |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) (original listing) 90 acres (36 ha) (after boundary increase) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mixed, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000754 (original) 01000811 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1982 |
| Boundary increase | August 2, 2001 |
The Maine Insane Hospital, later called the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI), was a special hospital in Augusta, Maine. It was the main place in Maine for people needing mental health care from 1840 to 2004. Its buildings are some of the oldest mental health care facilities still standing in the United States. The hospital complex is on the east side of the Kennebec River. Today, many of its buildings are used as state offices. In 2004, a new hospital, the Riverview Psychiatric Center, opened nearby to take its place. The original hospital area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Its protected area was made larger in 2001.
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About the Hospital Site
The former hospital is located on the east side of Augusta. It is bordered by Hospital Street to the east and the Kennebec River to the west. The river separates the hospital from the state capitol buildings. The National Historic Landmark Kennebec Arsenal, a former military site, is just north of the hospital. The newer Riverview Psychiatric Center is located just to the south.
The hospital complex has many buildings. Most are made of brick or stone. They were built from the hospital's start in 1840 until the mid-1900s.
How the Hospital Started
In 1834, Maine's government decided to create the Maine Insane Hospital. They set aside $20,000 for it. They also needed people to donate another $20,000. Two people, Reuel Williams and Benjamin Brown, each gave $10,000. Mr. Brown first offered 200 acres of land in Vassalboro. However, this land was not suitable. So, the state sold it and bought a better location in Augusta.
A famous mental health advocate named Dorothea Dix helped with the project. She believed that fresh air and a calm environment were important for patient care. Another hospital in Maine, the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center, is named after her.
Early Leaders and Names
Dr. Cyrus Knapp was the first leader, or Superintendent, of the hospital in 1840. From 1841 to 1845, Dr. Isaac Ray was the Superintendent. Dr. Ray was one of the thirteen people who started the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane. This group helped shape mental health care in America.
The hospital had several names over the years:
- Maine Insane Hospital (1840)
- Augusta Insane Asylum (date unknown)
- Augusta State Hospital (1913)
- Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) (1973)
- Riverview Psychiatric Center (2004) – This is the new hospital that replaced AMHI.
Growing Over Time
Many new buildings and additions were built at the hospital over the years. By 1920, the hospital property was about 600 acres. About 450 acres were used for farming. Patients at the hospital often worked on the farm and in the laundry.
The buildings show how ideas about mental health care changed over time. The oldest parts of the complex are called the Administration and Stone Buildings. They were built between 1836 and 1840. Later, in the 1850s and 1860s, wings were added. These wings followed a design style called the Kirkbride Plan. In the 1880s, smaller separate buildings were added. This was part of a plan to house patients in "pavilions."
However, the pavilion style was not practical for many patients. So, larger dormitory-style buildings were built. These buildings combined patient rooms, housing for workers, and offices. The campus also had many service buildings. The grounds were designed to be a pleasant place for patients.
The hospital was used continuously until 2004. As fewer patients needed long-term hospital care, some parts of the complex were used for other things. Many buildings now serve as state offices.
See also
