St. Elizabeths Hospital (SEH) is the oldest hospital in Anacostia. It is located at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue S.E. The hospital was founded by Dorothea Dix. When the doors of Center Building opened on January 15, 1855, it was the only federal government hospital in the United States for the care and treatment of persons with Mental disorders. The hospital was designed to be a self-sufficient community. Patients and staff were housed in its buildings and fed with food grown on its farm.

Center Building Photo by Jogues Prandoni

In the mid-19th century, little was known about mental illness. Treatment at the hospital relied upon kind, caring staff providing patients a calm and orderly setting. From the beginning, staff worked hard to increase the understanding of mental disorders and to help persons in the hospital recover. Throughout its history, Saint Elizabeths has achieved many firsts. These include numerous scientific contributions to mental health and introducing new and effective forms of treatment. The hospital also has been a center for training psychiatrists, psychologists, and other health professionals. Many have become prominent on local, national, and international levels. The hospital’s first five superintendents were elected president of the American Psychiatric Association.

The hospital with over 300 acres of land and 125 buildings has been a landmark in Anacostia. Many members of our community have worked at Saint Elizabeths. Artist John Robinson, whose painting is included under Community Artifacts on the Museum’s web site, was a cook at the hospital.

Luther Robinson M.D. (Acting Superintendent 1969-1972, Superintendent 1972-1975) was the hospital’s first African American superintendent. He established Saint Elizabeths’ program for persons with mental illness and hearing problems. He is a well-known authority on treating persons with mental disorders who are hearing impaired.

Building CT8 – Treatment Mall Photo by Jogues Prandoni

Saint Elizabeths Hospital was transferred from the federal government to the District of Columbia in l987. Today, SEH is part of the city’s Department of Mental Health. Under the leadership of Joy Holland, the first African American woman to head the hospital, it is revitalizing its services to patients and its relationship with the community. Its treatment mall, which opened in 2002, is one example of the innovative programs and best practices at the hospital.

The hospital is planning to break ground for a new state-of-the-art building in 2004. In 2005, Saint Elizabeths Hospital will celebrate 150 years of serving persons with mental disorders and being an important part of the Anacostia community.

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