Cherokee Mental Health Institute

Inscription

In the 1890s, Cherokee citizens campaigned to secure the city as the location of a new state hospital for the mentally ill, an important event in the city’s and state’s history. In 1894, the legislature voted Cherokee as the location of the new facility, which would alleviate overcrowding conditions in other facilities. The building complex, completed in August 1902, was designed to house 700 patients. The structure was built to follow the 19th century building plan developed by Dr. Thomas Kirkbride. The building style consisted of a central area for administration and “wings” for patient wards. Windows were added for optimal lighting conditions and decorative work encouraged recovery and healing. The complex was self-sustaining, having 1,000 acres of farmland along with chickens, dairy and beef cattle, hogs, horses, orchards, and gardens. Little food was needed from outside resources to feed the institution’s staff and patients. The CMHI continues to provide psychiatric services for adults and children.

Erected by the Cherokee Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historical Society of Iowa with funding support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. 2022.

Postcard of Cherokee Mental Health Institute, 1915.