Kalamazoo State Hospital

Description: State mental Hospital

Why it should be preserved: Kalamazoo was the home of a major psychiatric hospital, so perhaps this building could serve as a museum for psychiatric or general medical items and information. Until the 1840’s the mentally ill received little therapy and often were neglected. Upon recommendation of governor Epaphroditus ransom, the legislature, in 1848, established Michigan’s first state institution for the treatment of mental patients. Kalamazoo was chosen as the site in 1850 and construction began in 1854.

Other Comments: This site could be developed into something that resembles the Mummer Museum associated with the University of Pennsylvania.

Type of Property: Historical