San Haven State Hospital facts for kids
San Haven was once a special hospital in North Dakota. It was built to help people who were sick with a disease called tuberculosis. This hospital was located near a town called Dunseith in Rolette County.
Contents
The Story of San Haven
A Place for Healing
The name "San Haven" probably comes from "sanatorium," which is a type of hospital, and "haven," meaning a safe place. The San Haven Sanatorium opened its doors in 1912. It was built to care for many patients suffering from tuberculosis. A post office named San Haven even opened in 1923 to serve the community there.
Changing Times and New Purpose
Tuberculosis was a very serious illness. But in the 1960s, doctors found a vaccine that helped prevent and treat it. Because of this, fewer people needed to stay at San Haven for tuberculosis. The building then changed its purpose. It became a place to help people with developmental disabilities.
Closing Its Doors
By the 1980s, San Haven had over 400 patients. Due to challenges in patient care, the building closed in 1987. The post office also closed that same year. Today, the land where San Haven once stood is owned by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
