Staunton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Dr. Alexander Humphreys

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 20, 2012

1. Dr. Alexander Humphreys Marker

Inscription. Dr. Humphreys (1757–1802), an important teacher in 18th-century Virginia, received his M. D. from the University of Edinburgh. He practiced medicine in Augusta County and Staunton from 1783 to 1802 in an office facing the county courthouse. Among Dr. Humphreys’ many students were Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the “Founder of Abdominal Surgery;” Dr. Samuel Brown, a pioneer in the use of smallpox vaccination; and President William Henry Harrison. Dr. Humphreys is buried in the churchyard of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Erected 1987 by Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. (Marker Number A-63.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.

Location. 38° 8.907′ N, 79° 4.356′ W. Marker is in Staunton, Virginia. It is at the intersection of South Augusta Street and West Johnson Street, on the right when traveling south on South Augusta Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Staunton VA 24401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper 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 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:

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Augusta County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Roll of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Augusta County World War I Memorial Tablet (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean and Viet Nam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Augusta County (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Passenger Terminal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Staunton’s Wharf Historic District History (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staunton.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008

2. Dr. Alexander Humphreys Marker

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008

3. Dr. Alexander Humphreys Marker

Dr. Alexander Humphreys Grave at Trinity Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2008

4. Dr. Alexander Humphreys Grave at Trinity Episcopal Church

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 20, 2012

5. Dr. Alexander Humphreys Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,483 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 25, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.