Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
On This Site
In 1769, the original kitchen building, north of the East Wing, was expanded to house an Elaboratory for the purpose of preparing drugs for the Hospital. It was seized by the British during their occupation of Philadelphia in 1777 while the hospital proper was forced to accommodate wounded and sick British soldiers, seriously reducing the usual hospital population. In 1778, the Elaboratory was rented to the Continental Army for the compounding of medicines to treat our soldiers in battlefield hospitals.
Over the years the building fulfilled a variety of patient care and teaching uses. In 1873, by which time it had become known as the "North House," a large room on the first floor was altered for the reception of "recent accidents." More extensive changes were made in 1881 to accommodate the increasing emergency cases and the second floor was converted to a surgical ward.
Erected by Pennsylvania Hospital Walking Tour. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Science & Medicine • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.
Location. 39° 56.687′ N, 75° 9.354′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named On This Site (a few steps from this marker); William Penn (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Pennsylvania Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Pennsylvania Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
