National Register Listing

State Lunatic Asylum

a.k.a. Administrative Building,Austin State Hospital

4110 Guadalupe, Austin, TX
The Austin State Lunatic Asylum is a nationally significant landmark both historically and architecturally. Created as the Texas State Lunatic Asylum by the Texas Legislature in 1857, it reflected the state's changing attitude toward the mentally ill by the utilization of a nationally recognized mental hospital plan, and represented one of the most current architectural styles of the day, the Italianate, and, later, Victorian Classical Revival.

The first major hospital in the United States founded for the care and custody of the insane was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1851. Five years later, in 1856, Texas governor Elisha Pease signed into law an act of the Sixth Legislature which called for the construction of a state lunatic asylum as well as charitable institutions for the deaf and blind. The Legislature appropriated $50,000 for the land and buildings, and Governor Pease appointed three commissioners to select a site and acquire the land through donation or purchase, with the purchase price not to exceed $5 per acre.

The commission selected a site roughly two miles northwest of the State Capitol, comprising approximately 380 acres. The land was deeded to the State of Texas on April 4, 1857, by William Fields of Galveston for the sum of $2,500. The citizens of Austin paid $2,250 of the state's western public domain to provide for the future expansion of the institution.

Most Authorities in the mid-1800's believed that mental institutions should be located away from the noise and excitement of population centers. Rural acreage was generally cheaper than that in urban areas, and farming was considered to be a healthy occupation for patients. The legislature's original intent for the State Lunatic Asylum was for it to relieve county almshouses and jails of their mentally ill inmates. The institute was to serve as a catchment facility for people exhibiting "serious mental deviation" who could not function in their home communities. "The Texas Constitution defined the purpose of hospitalization as that of protecting persons and property from irrational acts. Consequently, in the beginning, and for many decades to follow, the State Lunatic Asylum was destined to function primarily as a custodial institution" (Jo Ann Elliott and Yvette M. Petty, Issues Influencing the Delivery of Mental Health Services at Austin State Hospital, December 1980, p. 1-2).
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.