Located in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, the South Carolina State Hospital is one of the most historic and oldest asylums in the country. It has survived times of war and was part of a revolution in mental health treatment. Read on to learn more about this hauntingly beautiful structure.

This historic structure was built in 1822, and was one of the first such complexes in the country.
Flickr/Ken Fager
The hospital was designed to care for the mentally ill, and had over 1,000 patients by 1900.
Flickr/Ken Fager
For a few months in 1865 during the Civil War, the hospital was used as a prison camp for Union soldiers.
Flickr/Ken Fager
The hospital was very self-sufficient, growing much of its own food.
Flickr/Ken Fager
The complex also included a mattress factory, ice cream plant, bakery, and library.
Flickr/Ken Fager

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By the 1950s, over 5,000 patients were crammed into the hospital. There were barely enough beds to go around.
Flickr/Ken Fager
Old equipment and tools are still crowding the wings of the hospital.
Flickr/Ken Fager
The Babcock building (pictured) is a good example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture.
Flickr/Ken Fager
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Flickr/Ken Fager
Vandals have left their mark, but the historic character of the hospital still shows through.
Flickr/Ken Fager

These walls have seen so much history. The city is in talks with developers who may purchase the South Carolina State Hospital and possibly tear down the buildings that have not been designated as protected historic structures. Do you think places like this should be preserved or cleared away?

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