Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

St. Joseph's Retreat

Photographed by Joel S., July 14, 2010

1. St. Joseph's Retreat Marker

Inscription. In 1885 Michigan's first private mental institution was located here under the guidance of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1855 the Sisters at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit had begun the care of the mentally ill, formerly confined to prisons and poorhouses. In 1860 they opened a separate facility, the Michigan State Retreat, which was incorporated in 1883 as St. Joseph's Retreat. The original brick building situated on these 140 acres of farmland and lawns overlooking the River Rouge was enlarged and encircled by outer structures to accommodate 400 patients. At first these included Civil War veterans; later alcoholics, drug addicts and other curables were rehabilitated. In 1962 the Retreat was closed since it no longer met pressing needs; the impressive structure was subsequently razed.

Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S0386.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 42° 18.131′ N, 83° 15.785′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is at

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the intersection of Michigan Avenue (U.S. 12) and West Outer Drive on Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23300 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn MI 48124, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Planning for People (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dearborn Hills Golf Club (approx. half a mile away); Rouge River Water Quality Improvements (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles A. Kandt House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Business Pioneers (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rhythm of Radio (approx. ¾ mile away); Bryant Branch Library (approx. 0.9 miles away); Westward Welcome (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Henry Ford's Brother, William Ford, had this house built... (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Photographed by Joel S., July 14, 2010

2. St. Joseph's Retreat Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 2,333 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.