A Hospital to Cure the Incurable

In 1873, the Commonwealth of Kentucky established the Fourth Kentucky Lunatic Asylum, now known as Central State Hospital, on what is currently E.P. "Tom” Sawyer State Park to take incurable patients from across Kentucky and from the other Kentucky asylums. The asylum accepted 141 patients in its first year, quickly exceeded its bed space, and repeatedly requested state funds for more dormitories as patient numbers grew. Its superintendent reported recurring problems including lack of water, little heating in winter, too many patients for too few staff, and construction debris throughout the grounds. Over time, the hospital became self sufficient as patients worked the farm to help support their own survival. Work was assigned by gender and social status: working class women labored in the laundry, kitchen, and general housework, while working class men worked in the gardens, orchards, and with livestock; wealthier men and women spent time in recreation and reading, and wealthier women also worked in the sewing room. Excess food and material goods were sold in the community. The hospital owned the land until the 1970s, when Governor Louie B. Nunn donated it to Kentucky State Parks, creating E.P. "Tom” Sawyer State Park. By 1986, the north campus was abandoned and patients were moved to a new facility on La Grange Road, after which the abandoned buildings were demolished and the remaining land was transferred to the park.

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky · United States