Near Fairfax in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Doctor's Life
The Post's surgeon lived here. In addition to treating the sick and injured, the post surgeon was himself a commissioned officer, in charge of enforcing proper sanitary measures. The regular inspection of living quarters, the water supply, cooking, and sanitary facilities came under his authority. The doctor and his staff not only served the needs of the military personnel, but often cared for the sick in the surrounding area. For soldiers and civilians alike, accidents and diseases, rather than battle wounds, were the major problems.
In 1856, Dr. Alex Hasson, assistant surgeon at Fort Ridgely, wrote about a patient with a dislocated shoulder:
The patient was brought to the hospital somewhat drunk and in great agony, and being a powerful man, was almost unmanageable. Without the induction of anesthesia, all attempts at reduction... would have been attended with great risk of aggravating the original injury.... A towel strongly charged with chloroform, partly through persuasion and partly by force, was applied to his mouth and nostrils, and almost in a moment he lay senseless and relaxed.
Fort Ridgely
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 44° 27.157′ N, 94° 44.086′ W. Marker is near Fairfax, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. Marker can be reached from County Highway 30, 1.1 miles west of State Highway 4, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Fort Ridgely State Park; fee area – a Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72404 County State Aid Highway 30, Fairfax MN 55332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Surgeon's Quarters—Headquarters (here, next to this marker); Five Days and Nights on the River (a few steps from this marker); Officers' Quarters—C (a few steps from this marker); Surprise Attack at Redwood Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); A Second Wave of Attacks (within shouting distance of this marker); Reinforcements Arrive (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ridgely State Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers' Quarters—B (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.
More about this marker. caption: David Geister, All in a Day's Work, Surgeon's Report, 1856, 2005
Also see . . . Fort Ridgely- Scene of Civil War & US-Dakota War history. Minnesota Historical Society website entry (Submitted on December 27, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.