Maximum Detention Buildings
Dublin Core
Title
Maximum Detention Buildings
Description
Built in 1953, the Maximum Detention Buildings were secure facilities for the hospital’s high risk patients. All four buildings were named after prominent figures from Bull Street’s history: Allan, Saunders, Cooper, and Preston.
Creator
Chris Fite
Rights
Refer to items for individual rights statements.
Coverage
1953-present
Collection Items
Front entrance, Preston Building
View of front entrance to Preston Building. Preston is named for William C. Preston, member of the Board of Regents (1828-1831), president of South Carolina College, and U.S. senator.
Front entrance, Cooper Building
View of front entrance to Cooper Building. Cooper is named for Thomas Cooper, member of the Board of Regents (1828-1829) and president of South Carolina College.
Central hallway, Cooper Building
View of Cooper interior through front door. The entrance shows evidence of retrofitting for the Forensic Services unit. Notice the barred access door.
Security windows on front of Cooper Building
This type of reinforced window is standard on all four Maximum Detention Buildings. Notice the exposed metal bars on the bottom right, usually concealed by the window slats.
Front entrance, Saunders Building
Front entrance, Saunders Building. Saunders is named for Eleanora B. Saunders, the second female physician at the S.C. State Hospital (1907-1914).
Front entrance, Allan Building
Front entrance, Allan Building. Allan is named for Sarah C. Allan, the first female physician at the S.C. State Hospital (1895-1907).
Remains of security fence at Allan Building
A 13-foot chain link fence enclosed the outside recreation areas at each Maximum Detention Building. As of 2014, only the bottom rails and concrete foundations still remain.