The Norwich State Hospital, a once-bustling psychiatric facility in Preston and Norwich, Connecticut, now stands as an eerie testament to a bygone era in mental health treatment. Established as the Norwich State Hospital for the Insane in October 1904 and later renamed Norwich Hospital, this sprawling complex was operational until 1996. Over the years, it served a diverse group of patients, including those with mental illnesses, geriatric patients, chemically dependent individuals, and tubercular patients.

Initially starting with a single building on a 100-acre plot, the hospital rapidly expanded to encompass over thirty buildings spread across 900 acres at its peak. This growth mirrored the evolving practices and challenges in psychiatric care over the decades. In 1988, a 70-acre portion of the hospital, including many of its buildings, was recognized as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Norwich State Hospital was its vast network of underground passageways. Initially designed for utility purposes, these tunnels became a covert means of patient transport and, later, an avenue for trespassers and urban explorers seeking to delve into the hospital's abandoned confines. However, recent construction efforts have led to the caving in and removal of these tunnels in preparation for the Preston Riverwalk project.

The hospital's peak patient census occurred in the mid-20th century, with over 3,000 patients housed in the various buildings. The institution's layout and architecture evolved over time, reflecting changes in mental health care philosophy. From the utilitarian design of the original structures to the more advanced medical facilities like the Ronald H. Kettle Center and the Ribicoff Research Center, each building had a unique role in the hospital's ecosystem.

The decline of Norwich State Hospital began in the 1970s, with the process of deinstitutionalization leading to a reduced patient population and the eventual closure of many buildings. By the time of its closure in 1996, the hospital had significantly downsized, with only a fraction of its original campus in use.

Since its closure, the hospital's fate has been a topic of much debate and speculation. Various proposals for redevelopment have been considered but have yet to come to fruition. The Preston Redevelopment Agency, created in 2009, oversees the development of the property, now known as the Preston Riverwalk. However, the future of this historic site remains uncertain.

The Norwich State Hospital's legacy is complex, reflecting the evolving attitudes and practices in mental health care. It stands as a haunting reminder of a past era, its abandoned buildings and caved-in tunnels speaking volumes about the changes in societal approaches to mental illness and the challenges of historic preservation.

Visitors to the area can park near the First Hebrew Society Cemetery along Laurel Hill Road and walk along the road to view the remnants of this once vast and influential institution. All buildings are completely off-limits and illegal to enter. The Norwich State Hospital, with its rich history and architectural significance, remains a poignant symbol of a bygone era in psychiatric care.