The records of the Department of Mental Hygiene - Modesto State Hospital consist of 191 file folders spanning the period 1900-1972. The records are organized into one series: Patient Case Files.

Modesto State Hospital, formerly Hammond Army Hospital, was purchased from the federal government in November 1946. Under Statutes 1946, Ch. 129, Modesto State Hospital was to function as a temporary state mental institution to relieve overcrowding in established facilities. The hospital began receiving patients in late 1947. By law no commitments could be made to Modesto State Hospital; it was required to receive patients from other state mental institutions through transfers. The hospital was equipped from its beginning to accept both the mentally ill and the mentally deficient. In September 1951, Modesto became a permanent hospital and was eligible to receive direct admissions (Statutes 1951, Ch. 525). By 1963, the hospital was reorganized to receive only the mentally ill. In that same year, Modesto's population exceeded its rated capacity of 2,369. After 1963, population declined until the facility was closed in 1972.

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.

While the majority of records are open for research, any access restrictions will be noted in the records series description.