Gowanda State Hospital

Gowanda State Hospital is a former psychiatric hospital located in Gowanda, New York. It was operational from 1898 to 1995 and was known for its innovative treatment methods and architectural design.

History

The Gowanda State Hospital was established in 1898 as the Homeopathic State Hospital. It was the first homeopathic psychiatric hospital in the United States. The hospital was built on a 500-acre site and was designed to accommodate 2,000 patients.

In 1974, the hospital was renamed the Gowanda Psychiatric Center. The hospital closed in 1995 due to budget cuts and changes in mental health treatment. The buildings were later repurposed for other uses.

Architecture

The hospital was designed in the Kirkbride Plan, a 19th-century architectural style used for mental health facilities. The design featured a central administration building flanked by separate wings for male and female patients. The buildings were constructed in the Queen Anne style with red brick exteriors and slate roofs.

Treatment Methods

The hospital was known for its innovative treatment methods. It was one of the first psychiatric hospitals to use psychotherapy and occupational therapy in the treatment of mental illness. The hospital also had a farm where patients could work as part of their therapy.

Legacy

The hospital's buildings are now used by the Gowanda Correctional Facility and the Collins Correctional Facility. The site is also home to the Gowanda Hollywood Theater, a historic movie theater that is being restored.

See Also

• List of hospitals in New York
• History of psychiatric institutions

References

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