Bull Street Timeline

A chronicle of the history and context of the South Carolina State Hospital at Bull Street from its conception to its recent development.

A group of three students from the class in charge of production of the Digitizing Bull Street website - Meg Southern, Robert Olguin, and Clara Bertagnolli - have developed this timeline as an expansive outline of the history of the Bull Street site, the buildings constructed on it, and the people important to it, along with local and national historic contexts.


View options for this interactive timeline can be accessed via the circular 3d button on the bottom left side and the circular wrench button on the bottom right side.

1786

Columbia Founded

“The location of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, was chosen in 1786 to resolve a conflict for control of the state between the rich, powerful planters of the Low Country and the more numerous Piedmont farmers of the Up Country. The political compromise was to locate the capital equidistant between the sections on the sand hills overlooking the confluence of the Saluda and Broad rivers where the Congaree is formed.” (Marion Lucas, Burning of Columbia, p.19)

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May 1791

Columbia Becomes Capital

South Carolina's capital city shifted from Charleston to Columbia in 1791.

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1812 - 1816

William Crafts

Major William Crafts, a senator from Charleston County, spearheaded the legislation which authorized the construction of the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum and the School for the Deaf and Dumb.

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1812 - 1816

Samuel Farrow

(1760-1824) Samuel Farrow gained prestige and recognition through his participation in the military, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. From his military service and former occupation as a lawyer, Farrow decided to pursue politics and became a member of the House of representatives (1812-1816). Known as the "Father of the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum, Farrow was an essential component to the initiation and creation of the Asylum.

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1821 - 1827

Robert Mills

(1781-1855) Born in Charleston, S.C., Robert Mills was an architect for many public buildings within the state of South Carolina. In addition, Mills was the architect for the first building of the Hospital. The building's cornerstone was laid on December 21, 1821 and was completed on December 18, 1827. His most recognizable design, however, was the Washington Monument which is located in Washington D.C.

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1821

Dr. James B. Davis

Appointed in 1821, James Davis was a member of the Board of Commissioners that worked alongside Samuel Farrow and William Crafts in acquiring resources to purchase the land for the South Carolina Insane Asylum. Once construction started, the Board asked Davis to travel north and research other established Insane Asylums. After Davis came back and reported his findings, he was appointed as the first physician of the Asylum.

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1821

"South Carolina Lunatic Asylum"

The hospital is established as the "South Carolina Lunatic Asylum."

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1821 - 1827

Mills Building Constructed

The first building of the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum is constructed, designed by Robert Mills with brickwork by William Gray.

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1821

Authorization Act

SC General Assembly passes act to begin construction for a lunatic asylum.

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1822

First Four Acres Purchased

Four acres are purchased within Columbia to accommodate 80 to 100 patients with room for expansion.

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1835

Dr. Daniel Trezevant

Appointed in January 1835, Daniel Trezevant succeeded Dr. James Davis as the physician for the Lunatic Asylum. Trezevant also served as a member of the Board of Regents.

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1836 - 1882

Dr. John Waring Parker

John Parker became the first Superintendent of the Asylum in 1836, mainly because Daniel Trezevant, with the support of James Davis, realized the responsibilities of the Asylum were too large for the Head Physician to handle on their own. After stepping down as Superintendent, Parker became an assistant physician in 1876.

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1838

Addition to Mills Buildling Completed

An addition is made to the Mills Building. Another matching addition is constructed later, in 1844.

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1840

Park Construction Begins

Original construction of Sidney/Seaboard/Finlay Park. Constructed under the supervision of city councilman Algernon Sidney Johnston in the 1840s, the public park featured trees, paths, reflecting pools, benches, and a bandstand.

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1844

Superintendents Form Association

The Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane, also known as AMSAII, is organized.

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1848

Forty Additional Acres Acquired

Additional forty acres acquired for the Insane Asylum.

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1852

Palmetto Armory and Ironworks

William Glaze and James Boatwright established the Palmetto Armory in 1852. It became Palmetto Iron Works in 1854, and produced various firearms for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

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1855 - 1885

Babcock Building Constructed

The New Asylum building is constructed in five stages.

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1857 - 1858

George E. Walker

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, George Walker was the initial architect of the New Asylum in 1857. Following the framework of the Kirkbride plan, Walker developed and defined the plans for the the building’s construction, however, only was under contract to complete the South Wing of the New Asylum, finishing his work in 1858.

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1859

Dorothea Dix

An advocate and national leader in promoting humane care for the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix made two visits to the South Carolina Insane Asylum. Dix first visit in 1852 was on her own accord and had no affiliation with the Asylum. In 1859, and as part of an effort to improve the Asylum’s conditions, the Board requested Dix participation in articulating suggestions to advance and modify the Asylum.

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1861

Shots Fired on Fort Sumter

The Confederate Army fires on Fort Sumter in Charleston, starting the Civil War.

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1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln sets forth the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in the United States.

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1864

Camp Asylum Occupies Hospital Campus

A camp is constructed on the south end of the Lunatic Asylum campus, to be used as a prison camp for Union officers.

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1865

Thirteenth Amendment Passed

Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States.

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1865

Columbia Burns

One third of the city burned as a result of conflict brought on by the occupation of Union troops.

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1865

General Lee Surrenders

General Robert E. Lee surrenders the Confederate army to General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union Army, thus ending the Civil War.

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1869 - 1877

Dr. Joshua Fulton Ensor

Joshua Ensor became a superintendent of the Asylum in 1869. Ensor eventually resigned eight years later on December 31, 1877.

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1875

Civil Rights Act of 1875

An act to guarantee equal public treatment of African-Americans; states react with Jim Crow Laws.

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1878 - 1890

Peter E. Griffin

Peter Griffin became an asylum superintendent in 1878 and resigned towards the end of 1890.

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1879

Edison Invents the Lightbulb

Thomas Edison invents the first incandescent lightbulb, starting the popularization of electricity.

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1879

The Wigg Farm

Additonal one hundred acres acquired.

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1880

The Parker Farm

Additional fifty two and three quarters acquired.

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1880

Cemetery Land Purchased

A half acre within Elmwood Cemetery is purchased for patient burials.

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1883

The Black Place Acquired

Additional ninety eight acres acquired.

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1884

Laundry Building Constructed

A laundry building is constructed behind the Babcock Building.

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1887

Laundry Burns Down

The laundry building burns down, and a new one is constructed in its place.

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1891 - 1914

Dr. James Woods Babcock

Originally from Chester, South Carolina, Babcock graduated from Harvard University. Babcock pioneered research regarding Pellagra, which is a disease caused by malnutrition and deficient diets. In 1891, Babcock became the superintendent of the State Hospital, holding that position until 1914.

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1896

"S.C. State Hospital for the Insane"

The institution's name changes to the "South Carolina State Hospital for the Insane."

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1896

The Wallace Acquired

Additional one hundred and ten acres and four dwelling houses acquired.

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1896

Payment for The Wallace Land

$27,003.00 paid for the recent acquisition of one hundred and ten acres and four dwelling houses.

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1896

Columbia Streetcar Rails Extended

Main Street streetcar lines were extended north beyond modern Elmwood Avenue. It provided greater connectivity between the Hyatt Park and Eau Claire neighborhoods to downtown.

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1896

Columbia's Orphanage Founded

Originally known as Epworth Orphanage, Epworth Children's Home provided care for Columbia's parentless children.

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1896

Plessy v. Ferguson

The Supreme Court rules "separate but equal" to be constitutional.

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1896

Murdock Land Acquired

Additional 3.52 acres acquired.

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1896

Commercial Bank Property Acquired

Additional property of a house and lot facing Bull street acquired for $3,000.00

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1896

New Road Constructed

Construction of a new road within the property connecting Bull Street to the old Asylum road.

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1898

Parker Building Completed

The Parker Building is completed to house African-American patients.

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1900

Bakery Constructed

A bakery building is constructed behind Babcock, across from the laundry building.

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1902

Columbia Grows Beyond City Limits

Columbia gained its first suburban neighborhood in 1902, when architecturally distinctive cottages fronting Bull Street established the beginnings of Cottontown.

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1902

The Jones Land Acquired

Additional three and a quarter acres acquired.

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Bull Street Timeline

Background Image from Folder 2, S190095, SCDAH

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Construction and Alteration

City Council Approves Plans for Baseball Stadium

2014

Columbia City Council votes 4-3 in favor of plans for a city-owned baseball stadium to be built on the Bull Street property.

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Construction and Alteration

Council Hears Plans for Bull Street

2014

Developer Bob Hughes reveals his plans for construction on the Bull Street site, including a proposed city-owned baseball stadium. The council signs...

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Event

Camp Asylum Excavation Begins

2013

Chester DePratter, an archaeologist from the University of South Carolina, begins a four-month excavation on the Bull Street site with students and...

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Construction and Alteration

Bob Hughes Agrees to Buy Bull Street Property

2010

Bob Hughes agrees to purchase the property of the former State Hospital from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, and establishes himself...

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Construction and Alteration

Williams Vacated

2006

The Williams Building is abandoned.

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Construction and Alteration

Ensor Evacuated

2006

Use of Ensor is discontinued.

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Construction and Alteration

Auditorium, Library, and Trezevant Vacated

2005

The Benet Auditorium, the Horger Library, and the Trezevant Building are officially closed to use.

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Construction and Alteration

Bakery and Chapel Deserted

2004 - 2005

The Bakery and the Chapel fall into disuse.

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Construction and Alteration

Byrnes Building Vacated

2003

The Byrnes Building is emptied out.

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Construction and Alteration

Mattress Factory Deserted

2002

The Mattress Factory is vacated in stages, from 2000 to 2002.

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Drive Cottages Vacated

2001

Staff move out of the Dix Drive Cottages.

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Construction and Alteration

Kitchen and Congregate Dining Halls Deserted

2000

The kitchen and congregate dining halls attached the Babcock Building fall into disuse.

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Construction and Alteration

Food Services Building Stops Cooking

2000

The Food Services building stops food production. For the next few years, it is used as a reception point for food made at the State Park campus,...

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Construction and Alteration

Maximum Security Wards Closed

1997

All four Maximum Security Wards are closed by this point, with the exception of clinical activity in Saunders.

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Construction and Alteration

Babcock Building Closed

1996

All operations are moved out of the Babcock Building, and it is officially closed.

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Construction and Alteration

Laundry Abandoned

1996

Use of the laundry building is discontinued.

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Construction and Alteration

LaBorde Vacated

1995

All patients are removed from the LaBorde Building.

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National Events

Americans with Disabilities Act

1990

Congress passes the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as the ADA.

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Construction and Alteration

Thompson Building Demolished

1989

The Thompson Building is bulldozed.

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Construction and Alteration

Trezevant Becomes Pharmacy

1987

Trezevant is renovated again, this time to accommodate use as a pharmacy.

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Construction and Alteration

Cooper Renovated

1984

Security on the Cooper Maximum Security Ward is enhanced, and part of the space is adapted to house the Forensics division of the William S. Hall...

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Construction and Alteration

Mills Building Rehabilitated

1983 - 1987

The Mills Building undergoes a major rehabilitation, and a new addition is constructed.

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Construction and Alteration

Parker Building Demolished

1981

The Parker Building is demolished. The Parker Annex is left standing.

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National Events

Health & Human Services Founded

1980

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is founded.

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Construction and Alteration

Talley Building Demolished

1976

The Talley Building is razed.

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Construction and Alteration

Trezevant Renovated

1975

Major renovations to Trezevant include the brick infill of several windows and the application of a brick wash to the exterior.

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Construction and Alteration

North Building Demolished

1974

The North Building is torn down.

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Construction and Alteration

LaBorde Renovated

1974

The exterior of LaBorde is painted, and new floors, lighting, air conditioning, heating, and windows are installed.

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National Events

U.S. Withdraws from Vietnam

1973

The U.S. withdraws its final troops from Vietnam.

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National Events

Souder v. Brennan

1973

"Souder v. Brennan found that minimum wage and overtime pay appled to patient workers at nonfederal hospitals and institutions for persons with mental...

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Construction and Alteration

Chapel of Hope Gains Organ

1969

Community donations helped purchase and install an organ and vases in the Chapel of Hope.

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National Events

U.S. Sends Troops to Vietnam

1965

The first U.S. troops arrive on Vietnamese soil.

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Construction and Alteration

Hall Institute Constructed

1964

The William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute, a research facility for the care of children and adolescents, is constructed on the north end of the...

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Construction and Alteration

Chapel Cornerstone Laid

1964

Contents of the cornerstone included items symbolic of the Chapel's nondenominational affiliation.

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National Events

Civil Rights Act of 1964

1964

This Act disallows discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or gender.

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Event

SC Department of Mental Health Organized

1964

The Department of Mental Health was established as a separate entity from the government arm, tasked with creating a more comprehensive system of...

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Construction and Alteration

Groundbreaking for Chapel of Hope

1963

The ground is broken to initiate the construction of the new chapel.

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National Events

Community Mental Health Act

1963

This Act is result of the work of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health.

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Drive Homes Altered

May 1963

Physicians' residences A & B are renovated to accommodate air conditioning, and to include additional living space.

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Construction and Alteration

Byrnes Building Constructed

1958

The Byrnes Building is constructed as a hospital facility for the campus.

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National Events

Mental Illness Commision

1955

The Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health is established by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association.

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Construction and Alteration

Auditorium and Library Constructed

1954 - 1956

The local architects Lafaye, Fair, and Lafaye construct a new auditorium and library. They are dedicated as Benet Auditorium and Horger Library in...

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Construction and Alteration

Food Services Building Constructed

1954 - 2007

A Food Services building is constructed on the east side of campus to accommodate food production for both the South Carolina State Hospital campus...

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National Events

Chlorpromazine Approved

1954

Chlorpormazine is approved by the FDA for the treatment of mental health.

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Construction and Alteration

Maximum Security Wards Constructed

1953

Four buildings are constructed at the far east end of campus to house violent patients. These buildings, built to house up to 608 patients, include...

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Drive Bungalows Constructed

1953 - 1954

S&M builders construction on the five physicians' residences, all of which were occupied by the time of the hospital's 1955 annual report.

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People

Dr. William S. Hall

1952 - 1969

Dr. Hall served as the Hospital's superintendent from September 1, 1952 to April 19, 1969. Following this position, he became the first State...

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Construction and Alteration

Canteen Constructed

1949

The canteen, a small convenience store, is constructed on the north end of campus.

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City of Columbia

North Columbia Fire Station Built

1948

North Columbia Fire Station No. 7 Constructed in 1948. South Carolina architect Heyward S. Singley designed this Art Moderne and International Style...

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National Events

WWII Ends in Pacific Theater

1945

Japan surrenders to the Allies, bringing World War II to an end.

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National Events

Atomic Bombs Deployed

1945

The United States drops an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, to cause Japan to surrender unconditionally in World War II. Three days...

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National Events

WWII Ends in European Theater

1945

Germany surrenders and signs a peace treaty, ending WWII on the European front.

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National Events

Germany Declares War on U.S.

1941

Germany declares war on the United States, bringing the country into the European theater of World War II.

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National Events

U.S. Declares War on Japan

1941

After Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the United States declares war on Japan.

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Construction and Alteration

Map of Campus Buildings

1941

An aerial map displaying the campus as it looked in 1941.

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Cottage Dismantled

1941

Materials from the dismantling of Dix Cottage are used to construct the Colored Nurses Home at the State Park campus.

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Construction and Alteration

Ensor Research Laboratory

1938

In 1938, the General Assembly approved construction for a research laboratory, finishing construction in April 1939, and opening its doors for use a...

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Construction and Alteration

Williams Building

1937

The Williams Building is constructed as a reception building and a ward for acute patients.

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Construction and Alteration

Thompson Building Constructed

1936

The Thompson Building is constructed as a ward building.

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National Events

WPA Established

1935

Congress passes the Works Progress Administration.

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People

Chaplain James Obert Kempson

1933 - 1965

James Kempson spent approximately thirty years of service as the chief chaplain for the S.C. State Hospital from 1933 to 1965. During his time with...

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Construction and Alteration

Construction of Trezevant Building Begins

November 1931

Robert S. Lafaye draws up plans for Trezevant, and construction begins the same year. Trezevant was intended to house the Hospital's "old and infirm"...

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Construction and Alteration

LaBorde Constructed

1929

LaBorde is constructed on the State Hospital campus as a tuberculosis pavilion.

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National Events

Black Tuesday

1929

The stock market crashes, plunging the United States into the Great Depression.

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Construction and Alteration

Patients Moved from Parker Annex

1927

African American male patients are moved out of the Parker Annex to the State Park campus.

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City of Columbia

Lafaye and Lafaye Architectural Firm

1920

George E. Lafaye, Sr. and his brother Robert S. Lafaye begin working in Columbia as "Lafaye and Lafaye." They managed many contracts for the Hospital...

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National Events

Treaty of Versailles

1919

The Treaty of Versailles is signed, bringing World War I to an end.

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National Events

The U.S. Enters WWI

1917

The United States declares war on Germany, bringing the country into World War I.

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Cottage converted

1916

Formerly providing housing for white female patients, Dix Cottage was converted to house the hospital's nurses.

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Construction and Alteration

Major Renovations to Babcock Building

1915 - 1920

The Babcock Building undergoes a major rehabilitation. The inside is essentially gutted and reformatted to accommodate dormitories instead of...

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People

Governor Richard Irvine Manning

1915 - 1919

Richard Manning was the 92nd governor of South Carolina, serving from January 19, 1915 – January 21, 1919. Manning was rather conscious of the...

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People

Dr. Charles "Fred" Williams

1915 - 1945

Dr. Williams was appointed as superintendent by Governor Manning in 1915. During his thirty year tenure, Williams oversaw the construction of thirty...

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People

George E. Lafaye

1915

In 1909, the Board of Regents contracted George Lafaye to survey the conditions of the Asylum and produce a report recommending renovations within the...

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Construction and Alteration

Mattress Factory - 1915

1915

The origin and construction of the Mattress Factory remains unknown, mainly because the known evidence articulates different information, however, it...

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Construction and Alteration

Kitchen and Congregate Dining Rooms - 1915

1915

In 1909, a legislative report was conducted which examined the conditions of the existing structures within the asylum. This report argued and...

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People

Dr. Thomas J. Strait

1914 - 1915

Thomas Strait succeeded Dr. J.W. Babcock in March of 1914, only to resign on May 1, 1915, largely due to his inexperience and lack of authority.

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People

Mrs. Inez N. Fripp

1913 - 1963

Mrs. Fripp served as secretary for the South Carolina State Hospital for over 50 years. During her time, she compiled a vast number of files on the...

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Construction and Alteration

Dix Cottage constructed

1912

A large frame cottage is erected to house female patients.

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Construction and Alteration

Parker Annex Constructed

1911

The Parker Annex is constructed to ease overcrowding in the Parker Building.

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Property Acquisition

State Park Land Acquired

1910

Additional 1,800 acres acquired.

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Construction and Alteration

North Building Constructed

1910

A building is built on the north of campus to be used as a ward for white female patients.

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City of Columbia

Confederate Soldiers Home Built

1908 - 1957

The United Daughters of the Confederacy erected a home for Civil War veterans in Cottontown in 1908. It closed in 1957 and was demolished shortly...

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National Events

FDA Founded

1906

The Food and Drug Administration is founded.

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Property Acquisition

The Weir Lot Acquired

1905

Additional land acquired.

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Construction and Alteration

Talley Building Constructed

1904

The Talley Building is constructed as a ward building for white female patients.

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Property Acquisition

Additional Land Acquired

1903

Additional land acquired between Gregg Street and Southern Railway.

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Property Acquisition

The Jones Land Acquired

1902

Additional three and a quarter acres acquired.

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City of Columbia

Columbia Grows Beyond City Limits

1902

Columbia gained its first suburban neighborhood in 1902, when architecturally distinctive cottages fronting Bull Street established the beginnings of...

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Construction and Alteration

Bakery Constructed

1900

A bakery building is constructed behind Babcock, across from the laundry building.

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Construction and Alteration

Parker Building Completed

1898

The Parker Building is completed to house African-American patients.

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Construction and Alteration

New Road Constructed

1896

Construction of a new road within the property connecting Bull Street to the old Asylum road.

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Property Acquisition

Commercial Bank Property Acquired

1896

Additional property of a house and lot facing Bull street acquired for $3,000.00

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Property Acquisition

Murdock Land Acquired

1896

Additional 3.52 acres acquired.

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National Events

Plessy v. Ferguson

1896

The Supreme Court rules "separate but equal" to be constitutional.

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City of Columbia

Columbia's Orphanage Founded

1896

Originally known as Epworth Orphanage, Epworth Children's Home provided care for Columbia's parentless children.

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City of Columbia

Columbia Streetcar Rails Extended

1896

Main Street streetcar lines were extended north beyond modern Elmwood Avenue. It provided greater connectivity between the Hyatt Park and Eau Claire...

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Property Acquisition

Payment for The Wallace Land

1896

$27,003.00 paid for the recent acquisition of one hundred and ten acres and four dwelling houses.

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Property Acquisition

The Wallace Acquired

1896

Additional one hundred and ten acres and four dwelling houses acquired.

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Name Changes

"S.C. State Hospital for the Insane"

1896

The institution's name changes to the "South Carolina State Hospital for the Insane."

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People

Dr. James Woods Babcock

1891 - 1914

Originally from Chester, South Carolina, Babcock graduated from Harvard University. Babcock pioneered research regarding Pellagra, which is a disease...

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Construction and Alteration

Laundry Burns Down

1887

The laundry building burns down, and a new one is constructed in its place.

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Construction and Alteration

Laundry Building Constructed

1884

A laundry building is constructed behind the Babcock Building.

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Property Acquisition

The Black Place Acquired

1883

Additional ninety eight acres acquired.

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Property Acquisition

Cemetery Land Purchased

1880

A half acre within Elmwood Cemetery is purchased for patient burials.

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Property Acquisition

The Parker Farm

1880

Additional fifty two and three quarters acquired.

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Property Acquisition

The Wigg Farm

1879

Additonal one hundred acres acquired.

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National Events

Edison Invents the Lightbulb

1879

Thomas Edison invents the first incandescent lightbulb, starting the popularization of electricity.

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People

Peter E. Griffin

1878 - 1890

Peter Griffin became an asylum superintendent in 1878 and resigned towards the end of 1890.

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National Events

Civil Rights Act of 1875

1875

An act to guarantee equal public treatment of African-Americans; states react with Jim Crow Laws.

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People

Dr. Joshua Fulton Ensor

1869 - 1877

Joshua Ensor became a superintendent of the Asylum in 1869. Ensor eventually resigned eight years later on December 31, 1877.

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National Events

General Lee Surrenders

1865

General Robert E. Lee surrenders the Confederate army to General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union Army, thus ending the Civil War.

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City of Columbia

Columbia Burns

1865

One third of the city burned as a result of conflict brought on by the occupation of Union troops.

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National Events

Thirteenth Amendment Passed

1865

Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States.

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Construction and Alteration

Camp Asylum Occupies Hospital Campus

1864

A camp is constructed on the south end of the Lunatic Asylum campus, to be used as a prison camp for Union officers.

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National Events

Emancipation Proclamation

1863

President Abraham Lincoln sets forth the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in the United States.

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National Events

Shots Fired on Fort Sumter

1861

The Confederate Army fires on Fort Sumter in Charleston, starting the Civil War.

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People

Dorothea Dix

1859

An advocate and national leader in promoting humane care for the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix made two visits to the South Carolina Insane Asylum. Dix...

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People

George E. Walker

1857 - 1858

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, George Walker was the initial architect of the New Asylum in 1857. Following the framework of the Kirkbride...

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Construction and Alteration

Babcock Building Constructed

1855 - 1885

The New Asylum building is constructed in five stages.

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City of Columbia

Palmetto Armory and Ironworks

1852

William Glaze and James Boatwright established the Palmetto Armory in 1852. It became Palmetto Iron Works in 1854, and produced various firearms for...

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Property Acquisition

Forty Additional Acres Acquired

1848

Additional forty acres acquired for the Insane Asylum.

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National Events

Superintendents Form Association

1844

The Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane, also known as AMSAII, is organized.

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City of Columbia

Park Construction Begins

1840

Original construction of Sidney/Seaboard/Finlay Park. Constructed under the supervision of city councilman Algernon Sidney Johnston in the 1840s, the...

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Construction and Alteration

Addition to Mills Buildling Completed

1838

An addition is made to the Mills Building. Another matching addition is constructed later, in 1844.

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People

Dr. John Waring Parker

1836 - 1882

John Parker became the first Superintendent of the Asylum in 1836, mainly because Daniel Trezevant, with the support of James Davis, realized the...

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People

Dr. Daniel Trezevant

1835

Appointed in January 1835, Daniel Trezevant succeeded Dr. James Davis as the physician for the Lunatic Asylum. Trezevant also served as a member of...

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Property Acquisition

First Four Acres Purchased

1822

Four acres are purchased within Columbia to accommodate 80 to 100 patients with room for expansion.

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Construction and Alteration

Authorization Act

1821

SC General Assembly passes act to begin construction for a lunatic asylum.

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Construction and Alteration

Mills Building Constructed

1821 - 1827

The first building of the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum is constructed, designed by Robert Mills with brickwork by William Gray.

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Name Changes

"South Carolina Lunatic Asylum"

1821

The hospital is established as the "South Carolina Lunatic Asylum."

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People

Dr. James B. Davis

1821

Appointed in 1821, James Davis was a member of the Board of Commissioners that worked alongside Samuel Farrow and William Crafts in acquiring...

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People

Robert Mills

1821 - 1827

(1781-1855) Born in Charleston, S.C., Robert Mills was an architect for many public buildings within the state of South Carolina. In addition, Mills...

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People

Samuel Farrow

1812 - 1816

(1760-1824) Samuel Farrow gained prestige and recognition through his participation in the military, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. From...

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People

William Crafts

1812 - 1816

Major William Crafts, a senator from Charleston County, spearheaded the legislation which authorized the construction of the South Carolina Lunatic...

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City of Columbia

Columbia Becomes Capital

May 1791

South Carolina's capital city shifted from Charleston to Columbia in 1791.

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City of Columbia

Columbia Founded

1786

“The location of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, was chosen in 1786 to resolve a conflict for control of the state between the rich, powerful...

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December 1821

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    S190095, Folder 2, South Carolina Department of Archives and History

    S190095, Folder 2, South Carolina Department of Archives and History

    S190095, Folder 2, South Carolina Department of Archives and History
    Images (1)Videos (0)Audio (0)

    Bull Street Timeline

    A chronicle of the history and context of the South Carolina State Hospital at Bull Street from its conception to its recent development.

    A group of three students from the class in charge of production of the Digitizing Bull Street website - Meg Southern, Robert Olguin, and Clara Bertagnolli - have developed this timeline as an expansive outline of the history of the Bull Street site, the buildings constructed on it, and the people important to it, along with local and national historic contexts.


    View options for this interactive timeline can be accessed via the circular 3d button on the bottom left side and the circular wrench button on the bottom right side.

    NaN of 136 stories

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