Ep. 55: History of Taunton State Hospital, Part 1 (1854-1886)

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This week's episode explores the history of the first three decades of Taunton State Hospital in Taunton, Massachusetts. Find out why people were sent to this hospital and what major world events led to a dramatic increase of patient admissions at asylums around the state. Learn what a "magic lantern show" was and why the asylum had to have a wall built around it to protect patients.

My main source for this episode is A Brief History of Taunton Lunatic Hospital 1854 to 2016 by Joseph Langlois. All other sources are listed at the end of the episode transcript.

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