the site opened on may 15, 1935 on under the name "united states narcotic farm" then changed shortly after to "u.s. public health service hospital." in 1967, it changed its name again to "national institute of mental health, clinical research center." its original purpose was to treat people who "voluntarily" were admitted with drug abuse problems and treat them, with mostly experimental treatments; it was the first of its kind in the united states. the site included a farm where patients would work.