Southwest Quadrant in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

L’Ouverture Hospital

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 9, 2017

1. L’Ouverture Hospital Marker

Inscription. Named for Toussaint L’Ouverture, the Haitian revolutionary. L’Ouverture Hospttal opened early in 1864 near the Freedmen’s barracks in Alexandria to serve sick and injured United States Colored Troops (USCT). Designed by the U.S. Army, the hospital complex could accommodate about 700 patients and occupied the city block just south of here. The hospital also served African American civilians, many of whom had escaped from slavery and sought refuge in Alexandria. In Dec. 1864, more than 400 patients led a successful protest demanding that USCTs be buried in Alexandria National Cemetery, with full honors, rather than at the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery.

Erected 2012 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-134.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 38° 48.284′ N, 77° 3.245′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in the Southwest Quadrant. Marker is on Prince Street east of South West Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is at or near this postal address: 1302 Prince Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. L'Overture Hospital HQ (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin and Armfield Slave Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1323 Duke Street – From Slavery to Freedom and Service (about 400 feet away); The Growth of Upper King Street (about 400 feet away); Shiloh Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Freedom House Museum (about 500 feet away); Capt. James McGuire House (about 500 feet away); Alexandria, D.C. (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. There was a delay in erecting and dedicating this marker. It was cast in 2012 and dedicated November 19, 2016.

Also see . . . History of L’Ouverture Hospital. “In 1864 and 1865, about 1,400 patients were admitted to L’Ouverture. The hospital was built to accommodate up to 600 at a time, but a December 17, 1864 census of Washington area hospitals indicated that 617 of its 717 beds were occupied. The patients’ records with names, dates of admission, causes for hospitalization, and resolution (release, transfer, death) have been transcribed by the

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 9, 2017

2. L’Ouverture Hospital Marker

Alexandria Archeology Museum. Most were admitted because of disease, and many patients stayed for weeks and months at a time.”

“No historic images were found of L'Ouverture Hospital.” (Submitted on September 10, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.