The Dark History of America's Poor Farms

In this episode of the Strange History Podcast, we explore the history of poor houses, which were tax-supported residential institutions for people who could not support themselves. They discuss the different ways poor relief was provided before the establishment of poor houses, the evolution of poor houses into nursing homes, and provide examples of individuals who were sent to poor houses. We discuss the treatment of mental illness in poor houses throughout history and discuss examples of poor house conditions. This episode concludes with a discussion of the closure of the last poor house in Green County, Missouri.

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