Northside in Spartanburg in Spartanburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pellagra Hospital
Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, February 28, 2025
1. Pellagra Hospital Marker
In 1914, a federal hospital dedicated to discovering the cause of pellagra opened at this site. Run by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), the 3-story facility had a capacity of 30 patients before being expanded in 1916. Led by Dr. Joseph Goldberger (1874-1929), doctors worked to determine if pellagra was caused by diet, as opposed to bacterial infection. The disease was an epidemic in the South, particularly among mill workers like those in Spartanburg County.
As part of their research, USPHS staff surveyed local mill workers and conducted experiments here, some on themselves. Their work helped link pellagra to a lack of meat, milk, fruit and vegetables, foods that were often inaccessible to low-income southerners. The hospital treated patients from across South Carolina, providing health food and medical guidance. It closed in 1920. In 1937, niacin deficiency was shown to cause pellagra. Later, the disease was all but eradicated in the United States.
Erected 2021 by South Carolina Osteopathic Society, Spartanburg County Medical Society and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2021. (Marker Number 42-39.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 34°
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Regionally, this marker is in Upstate. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 original Cherokee Nation, 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: Spartanburg Methodist College (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grave of William Walker / Magnolia Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Hub City / Spartanburg Union Station (approx. half a mile away); Dr. Jesse F. Cleveland Junior High School (approx. half a mile away); Wofford College (approx. half a mile away); Evins-Bivings House (approx. half a mile away); James Reese / Fayssoux McLean (approx. 0.6 miles away); Arthur Prysock/Ira Tucker (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spartanburg.
Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, February 28, 2025
2. Pellagra Hospital Marker Reverse
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2025, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2025, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
