Burns Park in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First University Hospital

1869

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, December 31, 2023

1. First University Hospital Marker

Inscription. In 1869, a professor's house (built 1840) on the central campus square was adapted for use as the University Hospital, called the Pavilion Hospital after it was enlarged in 1876. It was the first hospital in the United States owned and operated by a university. Surgical operations were performed in the upper lecture room of the Medical Building until an operating room was added to the hospital in 1879. An eye and ear ward was added in 1881, and by 1882 the hospital and nearby boarding houses were overcrowded with patients. The pavilion extensions were built of wood, so that they could be easily burned down to halt the spread of possible infections and disease. From 1886, discussion regarding transferring the clinical teaching to Detroit caused agitation among the faculty. The matter was settled in 1888 by the Regents, whose decision to keep the school entirely in Ann Arbor led to the acquisition of land near Catherine Street for a new hospital, which was completed in 1891. The Pavilion Hospital was used by the College of Dental Surgery until 1907, when it was demolished to make room for the Chemistry Building.

Erected 1999

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by History and Traditions Committee, University of Michigan. (Marker Number #7.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 42° 16.71′ N, 83° 44.276′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Burns Park. It is at the intersection of North University Avenue and Fletcher Street, on the right when traveling east on North University Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor MI 48109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Native American Land Gift (within shouting distance of this marker); The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club (within shouting distance

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, December 31, 2023

2. First University Hospital Marker

of this marker); Michigan League (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michigan Chapter of the Scabbard and Blade (about 400 feet away); Hill Auditorium (about 400 feet away); The Central Forty and The Diag (about 700 feet away); The University Expands (about 700 feet away); A Second Shopping District (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Chemistry Building on the spot of the first hospital. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, December 31, 2023

3. Chemistry Building on the spot of the first hospital.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.