Tinicum Township in Essington in Delaware County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lazaretto Quarantine Station
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, December 27, 2008
1. Lazaretto Quarantine Station Marker
A rare surviving example of a quarantine station, the Lazaretto was the introduction to America for many immigrants. Established in 1799 in reaction to a yellow fever epidemic, it operated until 1893 to inspect cargo and passengers for infectious diseases. Affected cargo was fumigated or destroyed and ill passengers were hospitalized and quarantined until recovery or death. The cemetery was here and original structures remain nearby.Erected 2008 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Notable Buildings • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 39° 51.733′ N, 75° 17.968′ W. Marker is in Essington, Pennsylvania, in Delaware County. It is in Tinicum Township. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Lagrange Ave., on the right when traveling north on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor Printz Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Sweden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johan Printz (approx. ¼ mile away); Governor Johan Printz (approx. ¼ mile away); Tinicum (approx. half a mile away); Tinicum Township (approx. half a mile away); A Group of Citizens with a Vision (approx. 0.8 miles away); John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Essington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Lazaretto - Tybee Island, GA
Also see . . .
1. Lazaretto Quarantine Station - Tinicum Township, PA. (Submitted on December 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Lazaretto Quarantine Station - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 19, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
3. Philadelphia Lazaretto - wikipedia. (Submitted on May 4, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.)
4. Lazaretto Quarantine Station Rescued - Philadelphia inquirer Article. (Submitted on March 25, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. Philadelphia Lazaretto - America’s First Quarantine Hospital
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, December 27, 2008
2. Lazaretto Quarantine Station Marker and Cemetery
The Philadelphia Lazaretto was the first quarantine hospital in the United States, built in 1799, in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The site was originally inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape Indians. The facility predates similar national landmarks such as Ellis Island and Angel Island and is considered both the oldest surviving quarantine hospital and the last surviving example of its type in the United States.
— Submitted May 4, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, December 27, 2008
3. Lazaretto Quarantine Station
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, December 27, 2008
4. Lazaretto Quarantine Station Outbuilding
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, December 27, 2008
5. Delaware River behind Lazaretto
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2008, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,556 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
