Worcester, Massachusetts

The abandoned Worcester State Hospital Hooper Turret in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a unique and historic relic from the bygone era of insane asylums.

Location Added By:

Tom Riley (GoXplr Account)

About This Location

The abandoned Worcester State Hospital Hooper Turret in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a unique and historic relic from the bygone era of mental health institutions. Worcester State Hospital, credited to the architectural firm of Weston & Rand, was a Massachusetts state mental hospital located in Worcester that opened in 1833. The hospital and its associated historic structures, including the Hooper Turret, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Worcester Asylum and related buildings.

Constructed in 1886, the Hooper Turret, along with its counterpart, the Gage Turret, served a distinctive purpose within the Worcester State Hospital. These round buildings were designed by architect George D. Rand to house suicidal patients in a manner reminiscent of Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon—a system of prison surveillance. The circular layout aimed to keep patients within the constant sight of their caretakers, fostering a sense of supervision.

The Hooper Turret, specifically designated for women, boasts a diameter of 50 feet and stands two stories high. The first floor served as a day-room, while the second floor functioned as a dormitory, accommodating up to 24 patients at a time.

While initially designed with intentions of providing a "cheerful" environment, the Turrets, like the rest of the hospital, experienced significant deterioration over the years. By 1935, both stories of the Turrets had been requisitioned for beds to meet the demands of the growing patient population. Originally designed for 24 patients each, they were modified to accommodate 48 individuals. The 1935 survey indicated a fair overall physical condition but poor lavatory and toilet facilities. The buildings were not fireproof, and wooden floors had been replaced with cement.

Today, the Hooper Turret is a rare survivor from the original 19th-century complex, a testament to the advocacy of Preservation Worcester and local citizens during the site's redevelopment in the 2010s. As part of the Worcester Asylum and related buildings listing, the Hooper Turret is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since March 5, 1980, with reference number 80000530.

Visitors can park near the Hooper Turret, providing an opportunity to admire this historic structure. While its windows and doors remain closed, the turret stands as a fascinating piece of history, inviting respect for its role in the evolution of mental health care.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
Hospital Drive, Worcester, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
42.278583, -71.770750
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are free parking lots on either side of the building along Hospital Drive.

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