West Baden Springs in Orange County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
U.S. Army Hospital
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
1. U.S. Army Hospital Marker
West Baden has had many different uses through the years. During WWI, the hotel became Army Hospital #35. By the Fall of 1918, troops needing medical aid were returning from war. The U.S. Army aggressively sought out potential sites for hospitals around the United States. West Baden Springs Hotel was ideally suited for such use because of its healing waters, plentiful opportunities for recreation and it was easily reachable by rail. Because of the flu pandemic, new facilities that could serve as army hospitals were in dire need. Almost immediately, renovation of the hotel was started and it was not long before the hotel became known as US Army Hospital #35.
Lillian Sinclair Rexford, Lee Sinclair's daughter, was a gracious and welcoming host to the wounded men. She stayed at the hotel and assisted in nursing the soldiers to good health. Letters found from soldiers housed at West Baden talk fondly of "Miss Lillian" and the luxurious surroundings of the hotel-turned-hospital. It has been said that the posh setting of West Baden played a large role in lifting the spirits of the men. West Baden Springs Hotel served as the Army hospital
2. Marker detail: West Baden Springs Hotel, circa 1918
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Erected by French Lick Resort Historical Walking Tour. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 38° 33.968′ N, 86° 37.118′ W. Marker is in West Baden Springs, Indiana, in Orange County. Marker is on West Baden Avenue, Ό mile west of Broadway Street (Indiana Route 56), on the left when traveling west. Marker overlooks the sunken gardens on the south side of the West Baden Springs Hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8538 West Baden Avenue, West Baden Springs IN 47469, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Springs (here, next to this marker); Sunken Garden (a few steps from this marker); Seal Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Apollo: Spring No. 3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sprudel: Spring No. 7 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Ignatius Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Golf Courses (about 800 feet away); Brick Drive (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Baden Springs.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. West Baden Springs Hotel
Also see . . .
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
3. U.S. Army Hospital Marker
Lee W. Sinclair presided over the reborn West Baden Springs Hotel until 1916, when his daughter, Lillian Rexford, and his son-in-law, Charles, assumed ownership rights. Under their watch, the resort underwent another round of renovations. During that time, West Baden Springs Hotel operated as a makeshift military hospital for soldiers wounded while fighting in the trenches of World War I.(Submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
