Southwestern Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The 17 Doctors of the 1850 Sacramento Cholera Epidemic

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 2, 2019

1. The 17 Doctors of the 1850 Sacramento Cholera Epidemic Marker

Inscription.
In Memory of the 17 Doctors who died while caring for victims of the 1850 Cholera Epidemic in Sacramento

Dr. W. Carpenter (Age 26), Dr. Horatio Cobb (Age 30), Dr. R.S. Girard (Age 35), Dr. Pliney P. Green (Age 41), Dr. R.L. Grisard (Age 33), Dr. R.H. Hale (Age 26), Dr. George W. Held (Age 34), Dr. Henry F. Herr (Age 26)

Dr. A. Holmes (Age 47), Dr. George Noble (Age 30), Dr. George H. Mason (Age 23), Dr. Robert McMamee (Age 27), Dr. Metcalf (Age 60), Dr. Robert M. Stansbury, Dr. T.P.N. Whittaker (Age 26), Dr. George Yearly (Age 36), Dr. (Name Unknown)

Erected 1977 by The Sacramento El Dorado Medical Society Historical Committee, July 1977.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 38° 33.822′ N, 121° 30.047′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Southwestern Sacramento. Marker is located just inside the entrance to the Sacramento City Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Broadway, Sacramento CA 95818, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sacramento City Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Hardin Bigelow (here, next to

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this marker); In Memory of the Old Tier Grounds (here, next to this marker); John A. Sutter, Jr. (here, next to this marker); City Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Sacramento City Cemetery / People of the Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); General George Wright (within shouting distance of this marker); Newton Booth (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Regarding The 17 Doctors of the 1850 Sacramento Cholera Epidemic. Dr. Pliney P. Green, the only doctor whose grave is marked, is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery Grove section of the cemetery.

In 1990 it was determined that the "unknown name" doctor on the marker is Dr. Peter Crum.

Additional commentary.
1. The Beginning of the Epidemic
Source: The Sacramento El Dorado Medical Society Historical Committee
On October 8, a passenger on the "New World," a ship docked in Sacramento, emerged and collapsed on the wharf, sparking an epidemic that killed nearly 1000

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 30, 2006

2. The 17 Doctors of the 1850 Sacramento Cholera Epidemic Marker

people in less than three weeks. Thousands fled in panic, leaving the stricken behind. Of the nearly 40 physicians practicing here at the time, 17 died, making this the highest mortality on record for physicians caring for victims of an epidemic.
With few exceptions, victims were buried in mass graves. Of the 17 physicians who died of cholera while caring for the victims of the epidemic, only one of the 17 is notably buried in Sacramento's Old City Cemetery. Some speculation has been made that they may possibly be buried under a section of Broadway, since a portion of the cemetery was used for street expansion.

— Submitted October 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Additional keywords. Epidemics

Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 10, 2008

3. The 17 Doctors of the 1850 Sacramento Cholera Epidemic Marker

Marker is on the far left, a time capsule to be opened in 2088 is center and the John A. Sutter, Jr. marker is to the right.

Only Marked Burial Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dr. Bob LaPerriere, October 1, 2008

4. Only Marked Burial Site

Dr. Pliney P. Green Native of BURLINGTON VERMONT died Nov.2.1850 Aged 42 yrs.

Cholera Victims image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 7, 2023

5. Cholera Victims

To the Memory
of the
Cholera Victims
1852

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 7, 2023

6. Cholera Victims

Marker at the south end of the cemetery (Plot 160).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,408 times since then and 165 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 7, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on May 8, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.