Stockton in San Joaquin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Stockton Developmental Center

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

1. Stockton Developmental Center Marker

Inscription. The Stockton Developmental Center was established in 1853 as the Insane Asylum of California, the first of several state asylums. Stockton’s founder, Charles M. Weber, donated half of the 100 acre site. It was one of the first facilities of its kind in the western U.S. and played a major role in developing California’s mental health system. In the early 1970’s, the focus of the center shifted from treating patients with mental disabilities to training people with developmental disabilities. This served to spearhead the movement to provide services outside the institutional setting. The Stockton Developmental Center was closed in 1996

Erected 1996 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation, the Stockton Developmental Center and the State Department of Developmental Services. (Marker Number 1016.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 37° 57.862′ N, 121° 17.2′ W. Marker is in Stockton, California, in San Joaquin County. The site is now the location of California State University – Stanislaus Stockton, and the marker is located at Union Park.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 East Magnolia Street, Stockton CA 95202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Superintendent's Residence (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Magnolia Mansion (about 400 feet away); Circle of Palms (about 400 feet away); Doctors' Row Historic District (about 500 feet away); Doctor's Row (about 500 feet away); University Park Water Tower (about 600 feet away); Magnolia Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aspen Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stockton.

Regarding Stockton Developmental Center. This site was designated as California Historical Landmark No. 1016 on March 10, 1995.

Additional commentary.
1. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.1016 on March 10, 1995.
Statement of Significance:
The Stockton Developmental Center began in 1853 as the Insane Asylum of California at Stockton. It was founded on 100 acres with ready access to the goldfields on land donated by Captain Charles Weber, founder of Stockton. California’s Legislature was convinced that the turbulence of the Gold Rush had caused many to suffer

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

2. Stockton Developmental Center Marker

from mental problems, and that the existing hospitals were inadequate to cope with large numbers of people with mental and emotional conditions. Consequently it authorized the establishment of the Stockton Hospital, the first public hospital in California to serve the mentally ill. California’s mental hospital is one of the oldest in the west, and early on was recognized for its progressive forms of treatment.

— Submitted February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009

3. Stockton Developmental Center Marker

Stockton Developmental Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown

4. Stockton Developmental Center

Source: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~asylums/stockton_ca/index.html

Marker at Southern End of the Pond image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023

5. Marker at Southern End of the Pond

In honor and memory of those who died and were buried anonymously on the grounds of the institution that stood on this site between 1852 and 1996.
Let no person ever again be removed from the community by reason of disability.
California Memorial Project 2007

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,231 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 9, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.