Dorothea dix

Upon visiting a Massachusetts house of correction, Dorothea Dix was horrified to discover that Jails often housed mentally ill people. In 1843 she reported her findings to the Massachusetts legislature, who in turn passed a law aimed at improving conditions. Between 1845 and 1852, Dix persuaded nine more states to set up public hospitals for the mentally ill.

"I proceed, gentlemen, briefly to call your attention to the present state of insane persons confined within this Commonwealth. . . Chained, naked, beaten with rods, and lashed into obedience! . . . Injustice is also done to the convicts: it is certainly very wrong that they should be doomed day after day and night after night to listen to the ravings of madmen and madwomen."
- Report to the Massachusetts Legislature