Though the hospital has a Patton, California address, it lies entirely within the San Bernardino city limits.

[4] Established in 1890 and opened in 1893 as the Southern California State Asylum for the Insane and Inebriates, it was renamed Patton State Hospital after Harry Patton, a member of the first Board of Managers, in 1927.

[5] The hospital's original structure was built in accordance with the Kirkbride Plan.

[6] The original buildings were demolished after they were badly damaged in the earthquake of 1923.

[8] From its opening until 1934, some 2,024 patients died and were buried on the hospital grounds.