Central State Hospital (Milledgeville, Georgia)

Central State Hospital, originally known as the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum, was a psychiatric hospital located in Milledgeville, Georgia. Founded in 1842, it grew to become one of the largest mental institutions in the world by the mid-20th century, housing over 12,000 patients at its peak.

The hospital's early mission was to provide humane treatment and care for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and epilepsy. However, as patient populations swelled, resources became strained, leading to overcrowding, understaffing, and a decline in the quality of care. Allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and unsanitary conditions emerged throughout its history.

Central State Hospital played a significant role in the history of mental health treatment in Georgia and the United States. It pioneered some early psychiatric practices, including occupational therapy and hydrotherapy. The hospital also served as a training ground for psychiatric professionals.

Over time, changing attitudes toward mental health care, the development of psychotropic medications, and the rise of community-based mental health services led to a decline in the hospital's patient population. The hospital underwent significant downsizing and restructuring in the late 20th century.

Today, a portion of the original Central State Hospital campus continues to operate as a smaller mental health facility, while other buildings have been repurposed or abandoned. The history of Central State Hospital serves as a reminder of the complex and often troubling evolution of mental health care in America. The site is the subject of ongoing preservation efforts and historical interpretation, acknowledging its impact on individuals, families, and the wider community. The campus is often subject to paranormal investigations, fueled by stories of the patients and their treatment throughout the hospital's long history.