Murdoch Center (Butner, North Carolina)

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The Butner Training School, known as "The Colony," opened in 1947 in an old army barracks and received its first transfers from Caswell Center in June of 1948. Transfers continued from Caswell during the 1950's with the census reaching 361. In 1955, construction began on the site which is now Murdoch Center. In December 1957, the staff and clients from "The Colony" moved to the new Butner Training School. With various construction, the capacity increased to 1,624 in 1965. The name of the Butner Training School was changed to Murdoch School and eventually to Murdoch Center (named after Dr. James Murdoch who led to the beginning of a new era of reform in mental health in North Carolina). Today, Murdoch Center's approximately 1,620 staff positions provide comprehensive residential care for 700 severely/profoundly mentally retarded residents from 16 counties in the North Central Region. Respite care and extensive outreach services are also provided