Conditions at the Asylum

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This chapter discusses the mistreatment and abuse of women at the asylum, including the use of restraints, solitary confinement, and lack of proper care. Nellie Bly's report on her experiences led to some improvements but had little overall impact on the conditions.

When a young woman showed up at a boarding house in Manhattan, she said her name was Nellie Brown – but that was all she seemed to remember about herself. Soon, people became scared of her. Someone went to the police: "I want you to take her quietly."

Stacy Horn's book is Damnation Island: Poor, Sick, Mad, and Criminal in 19th-Century New York.

Travis Russ' upcoming play is The Gorgeous Nothings. To hear our special bonus episode about the other end of the island—and get ad-free listening, members-only merch and more—sign up for Criminal Plus.

Criminal is going back on tour in February! We’ll be telling brand new stories, live on stage. You can even get meet and greet tickets to come and say hi before the show. Tickets are on sale now at thisiscriminal.com/live. We can’t wait to see you there!

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We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery.

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