Dix Hill

Dix Hill, originally known as the State Hospital for the Insane, was a psychiatric hospital located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1856, it operated for over 150 years until its closure in 2012.

The hospital was founded due to the efforts of Dorothea Dix, a tireless advocate for the humane treatment of the mentally ill. She successfully petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly to establish a state-funded asylum. The hospital was named in her honor posthumously.

For much of its history, Dix Hill followed the model of asylum care prevalent at the time, focusing on providing a therapeutic environment and promoting patient well-being within a self-contained community. The hospital campus encompassed vast grounds, including farmland, gardens, and recreational areas, designed to contribute to the therapeutic process.

Over the decades, Dix Hill's patient population grew significantly, reflecting evolving understandings and treatment of mental illness. The hospital adapted to changing approaches, incorporating advancements in psychiatric care, including psychotropic medications and various forms of therapy.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a national trend towards deinstitutionalization led to a reduction in the number of patients housed at Dix Hill. The hospital faced increasing scrutiny regarding its treatment methods and the overall efficacy of large-scale psychiatric institutions.

Ultimately, the state of North Carolina decided to close Dix Hill in 2012. The land was subsequently purchased by the state and city to become Dix Park, a large public park intended to serve the community. Dix Park preserves some of the original hospital buildings and landscape features, offering a space for recreation, reflection, and remembrance of the site's complex history. The history of Dix Hill remains a significant part of North Carolina's cultural and social landscape, raising important questions about mental health care and the evolving role of institutions in society.