The initiative to establish a state homeopathic institution for treating mental disorders began in 1866 when John Stanton Gould delivered a speech at the State Homeopathic Medical Society titled The Relation of Insanity to Bodily Disease. In his speech, Gould emphasized that "It has been my purpose in this address, gentlemen, to bring before you in a clear and specific form the proofs that insanity is always a symptom of bodily disease which it is your duty and ought to be your pleasure to cure." Following this, the Society passed a resolution urging the New York State Legislature to create an institution dedicated to treating mental disorders using homeopathic methods. On April 28, 1870, the state legislature approved a bill to establish a state hospital in the Hudson Valley that would utilize homeopathic therapy. The hospital opened its doors in 1874 with 69 initial patients. H. Reed became the hospital's second superintendent in 1875, implementing strict dietary regimens. From 1877 to 1902, Dr. S. Talcott served as superintendent and introduced various forms of occupational therapy for all patients. His approach included art exhibitions, a newsletter written by the patients called The Conglomerate, and athletic activities. In 1901, a notable painter became a patient at the hospital, where he continued to create his landscape paintings. Located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, the number of buildings and patients increased significantly, reaching over 100 buildings and 2,250 patients in the early 1900s, and peaking at 3,686 in the 1960s. By 1970, the patient count was down to 3,000 as services shifted primarily to outpatient therapy, leading to a decline in numbers. The institution ultimately closed its doors permanently in 2006.