Terrell State Hospital
Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Authorized 1883 by Legislature of Texas. Designed by J. N. Preston and sons, Austin. Built by John M'Donald. Opened in 1885 under administration of Dr. D. R. Wallace, superintendent, who was an internationally recognized pioneer psychiatrist. Admitted 330 patients during first year. Gradually enlarged with 2,300 patients by 1920; it was largest hospital of its kind west of Mississippi. No original buildings are left. Only the fountain in circular park and water tower remain from old hospital grounds.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1883 and opened in 1885, this institution admitted 330 patients in its first year under Dr. D. R. Wallace, an internationally recognized pioneer of psychiatry. It grew steadily until, by 1920, its 2,300 patients made it the largest hospital of its kind west of the Mississippi. Only the fountain in its circular park and an old water tower survive from the original grounds.
Why it matters
The hospital reflects the Progressive Era's ambition to treat mental illness in large state institutions, a movement whose scale and ideals shaped American health care for a century.
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Related people
- · D. R. Wallace
Themes & tags
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