Old Fort Lowell in Tucson in Pima County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Post Hospital

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, December 27, 2016

1. Post Hospital Marker

Inscription. The post surgeon was the cornerstone of army medical care. He was either a medical officer or a local civilian. At Fort Lowell, 21 men served in this capacity, assisted by enlisted hospital stewards. The surgeon maintained the health of all military personnel, including wives, children, and civilian employees. He also regulated sanitation. He had no one else to consult, relying solely on his education, experience, and medical books.

By the 1870s, the post surgeon used antiseptics. A decade later, he had such anesthetics as sulfuric ether and chloroform. The soldiers' ailments commonly included malaria, diarrhea, venereal diseases, alcoholism, rheumatism, headaches, sprains, and gunshot wounds.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 32° 15.62′ N, 110° 52.429′ W. Marker is in Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. It is in Old Fort Lowell. It can be reached from North Craycroft Road. Marker is in Fort Lowell Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2900 North Craycroft Road, Tucson AZ 85712, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sky Islands,

in the Sonoran Desert,

and in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Gadsden Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Fort Lowell 1873-1891 / Post Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Infantry Barracks / Laundresses' Quarters

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Lowell (within shouting distance of this marker); Cottonwood Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Lowell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Lowell Flagstaff (within shouting distance of this marker); Cavalry Barracks and Band Barracks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tucson.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, December 27, 2016

2. Post Hospital Marker

Post Hospital image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, December 27, 2016

3. Post Hospital

Photo displayed on marker. image. Click for full size.

circa 1885

4. Photo displayed on marker.

Major Joseph B. Girard and family. Surgeon Girard was post surgeon six different times from 1873-1891.

circa 1889

5. Photo displayed on marker.

Post Hospital looking east in 1889.

circa 1889

6. Photo displayed on marker.

Parade grounds looking southwest from the post hospital. Officer's Quarters, Cottonwood Lane and flagpole are in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 690 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 31, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.