Over time, the good
intentions that Dorothea Dix had for the treatment of the
nations mentally ill was forgotten. Overcrowding and a lack of
funding led to chaos. With
the advent of lobotomies, electro-shock therapy, insulin shock
therapy, hydrotherapy, and the overuse of powerful tranquilizers
the vision of Dorothea Dix was lost.
Most of these facilities began closing their doors for
good in the mid 1980's. After they closed they were no
longer maintained and the weather took it's toll. Today these
facilities stand empty and crumbling from neglect. One by one
these irreplaceable buildings are being destroyed in the name of
progress.
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