On 26 December 1837, an Act to authorize the building of a state sanitarium
was passed. Then, in 1838, an Act was passed which authorized the arrest and
confinement of lunatic or insane persons in the common jails of the county, or, their
being placed in custody. They could be released from such confinement when they were
placed under the control of suitable individuals.
On 1 December 1841, an Act to organize the Lunatic Asylum of the State of Georgia and to provide
for governing the same was passed, which included appropriations to complete and
furnish housing. $10,000 was appropriated to erect a building in Baldwin County, but the
Act was not approved until 1850.
Three trustees were appointed (Board of Trustees), which were to be appointed bi-annually
and to be commissioned by the governor. This board had the authority to appoint all officers, and
to prescribe rules and regulations. The officers -- Superintendent, Assistant Physician,
Treasurer, Steward, Assistant Steward, Matron, and assistant.
The building was constructed at Midway, near Milledgeville, in Baldwin County, and
was known as "Georgia's greatest charity".
