Western State Hospital

Western State Hospital is a psychiatric facility in Staunton, Virginia, with more than 20 buildings near the downtown area. The complex connects Greek Revival structures from the early 19th century with later Art Deco additions into a sprawling medical campus.

The facility opened in 1828 as Virginia's second state-supported mental health institution. The first patient was admitted on July 24 with a diagnosis attributed to excessive study.

The name Western State refers to the facility's location in the western frontier of early Virginia. Today, the hospital combines modern psychiatric care with the preservation of several original buildings from the early decades of operation.

Visiting hours are set and advance registration is required for all non-emergency visits. The site is located at coordinates 38.1453, minus 79.0681 near the downtown area.

Terraced gardens from the 19th century surround the original buildings and once offered patients views of the mountains. Walking paths on the roofs were meant to support recovery through fresh air and contact with nature.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1828

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Website: http://wsh.dbhds.virginia.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.14530,-79.06810

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30