February 16, 1847
The State Lunatic Asylum, now known as Fulton State Hospital, is approved to open in Fulton. Missouri legislators wanted to address the problems of housing and treating people with mental health issues, many of whom were dangers to themselves and others. A group of 67 patients arrived at the first “insane asylum” west of the Mississippi during the first few weeks after it opened in 1851.
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
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