Boston State Hospital

In 1839, the Boston Lunatic Hospital was established in Massachusetts, and Dr. John S. Butler served as the first superintendent from 1839 until 1842. The hospital served as a public hospital and provided the city of Boston housing for the overflow of patients from Worcester State Hospital. 

In the first six months of operations, the hospital accommodated one hundred and four patients, and Dr. Butler emphasized outdoor exercise, occupation, and hydrotherapy for patients. In 1842, Dr. Charles H. Stedman succeeded Dr. Butler as superintendent, and that same year, Charles Dickerson visited the hospital, mentioning his visit in his American Notes.