The Rosewood Center
Rosewood originally opened in 1888* as the Asylum and Training School for the Feeble-Minded, was renamed Rosewood State Training School in 1912, Rosewood State Hospital in 1961, and finally the Rosewood Center in 1969. Approximately 200 people with developmental/intellectual disabilities still remained at Rosewood at the time I photographed this although most of the buildings were derelict. A bitter battle was waged over its closing, with rights groups pointing to an astonishing 130 incidents of “abuse, neglect, mistreatment and injuries of unknown origins” in a two month period. Allegations of failure to protect residents from harm, illegal use of restraints/seclusion, sexual abuse, and inadequate care closed the remainder of Rosewood for good.
* Most sources agree that the facility opened in 1888 but a Washington Examiner article and a Disability Rights Maryland report that I originally used as sources list 1895. I'll do my best to research this more thoroughly but for now 1888 seems the safest bet.
To view more of this site click on an image in the gallery below; use arrow keys to navigate.
* Most sources agree that the facility opened in 1888 but a Washington Examiner article and a Disability Rights Maryland report that I originally used as sources list 1895. I'll do my best to research this more thoroughly but for now 1888 seems the safest bet.
Join us on Patreon for high quality photos, exclusive content, and book previews
Read the Abandoned America book series: Buy it on Amazon or get signed copies here
Subscribe to our mailing list for news and updates