Oregon State Hospital Historic District, Historic mental health complex in Salem, United States
The Oregon State Hospital Historic District is a healthcare complex with more than 60 historic buildings across a large campus near downtown Salem. The structures vary in size and design, representing different periods of development and serving various functions within the institutional setting.
The site began as the Oregon Insane Asylum and was reorganized around 1910 into a more modern healthcare facility. This shift reflected changing ideas about how to treat and care for people with mental illness at that time.
The campus reflects how architectural design was thought to aid healing, with buildings arranged to let in sunlight and fresh air throughout the complex. This approach shows what people once believed about the connection between environment and recovery.
The district spans between D Street, Park Avenue, 24th Street, and Bates Drive, with some areas still operating as active healthcare facilities. Check ahead about access to specific buildings, as parts of the campus remain in use and may have visitor restrictions.
The main hospital building follows the Kirkbride Plan, a design that prioritized natural light and fresh air through careful window placement and building layout. This architectural approach was considered cutting-edge for mental health facilities of its era.
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