In 1837, largely through the influence of Tomlinson Fort and William A. White, the legislature appropriated $20,000 for a dormitory near Milledgeville where the state´s mentally ill could receive custodial care. A four-story building was opened on this site in 1842 and together with various later additions became known as the Center Building. Originally serving only pauper patients, service were expanded for all bona fide citizens. Dr. Thomas F. Green (1847-1879) and Theophilus O. Powell (1879-1907).
GHM 005-24 Georgia Historical Commission 1961
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Ken Moser.