Old West Broad Neighborhood in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 2008

1. Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers Marker

Inscription. African-American physician Cornelius McKane (1862-1912) was born in British Guiana and began medical practice in Savannah in 1892. Alice Woodby McKane (1865-1948) came to Georgia that same year – the only black female physician in the state at that time. After marrying in 1893, the couple established McKane Training School for Nurses at this location – one of the first such schools in the region. In 1895 they moved to Monrovia, Liberia, where they helped organize several healthcare facilities. There Alice McKane worked as a U.S. medical examiner for expatriate Civil War veterans. After their return to Savannah in 1896, they founded the McKane Hospital for women and children (later Charity Hospital). The McKanes permanently left Savannah in 1909, relocating to Boston.

Erected 2008 by Georgia Historical Society and Sam's Club and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Marker Number 25-31.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 32° 4.546′ N, 81° 5.895′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham

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County. It is in the Old West Broad Neighborhood. It is on Liberty Street near Montgomery Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Great Indian Warrior / Trading Path (within shouting distance of this marker); Central of Georgia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle of Savannah (about 300 feet away); Savannah Besieged (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Savannah (about 400 feet away); Attack on British Lines (about 600 feet away); Lt. Col John Harris Cruger (about 700 feet away); Major General Anthony Wayne (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. study relationship, see marker shown.

Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers Marker, looking west on Liberty Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 18, 2008

2. Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers Marker, looking west on Liberty Street

Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers Marker, looking east at Liberty and Montgomery Sts. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 18, 2008

3. Savannah’s African-American Medical Pioneers Marker, looking east at Liberty and Montgomery Sts.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,327 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.