Near West Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children

1929-1989

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2026

1. The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children Marker

Inscription. Dr. Mary Thompson (1829-1895) was the first female practicing physician in Chicago. She moved to Chicago during The Civil War when Chicago had two hospitals: one didn't admit female patients, and the other hospital didn't allow female physicians to practice.

In 1865, The City Hospital for Women and Children opened with Dr. Thompson. Her first Chicago patients were the children, wives, and widows of Union soldiers.

The Mary Thompson Hospital for Chicago for Women and Children opened a new 150 bed space at 140 N. Ashland in 1929. It was considered one of the best hospitals in the US. The hospital closed in 1988 and was used as The Women's Treatment Center until 2021. This hospital treated indigent women and children.

Erected 2026.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 41° 53.069′ N, 87° 40.026′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near West Side. It is at the intersection of North Ashland Avenue and West Maypole Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Ashland Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago IL 60607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Union Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carter H. Harrison (about 600 feet away); James Connolly (about 700 feet away); West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wieboldt's Department Store (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stanislav "Stan" Mikita (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children. After the Women’s Treatment Center closed, the building, which overlooks Union Park, was converted to apartments.

Also see . . .
1. Encyclopedia of Chicago: Mary Thompson Hospital.

Excerpt: "The hospital's founder, Mary Harris Thompson, received her M.D. from the New England Female Medical College in Boston in 1863. Her first patients in Chicago were the wives, widows, and children of Union soldiers. Thompson's ability to care for them was limited by her inability to gain a hospital position. Neither of Chicago's two hospitals permitted women to serve on their staffs, and one of them did not admit women patients. Thompson organized her own hospital."

(Submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2026

2. The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children Marker

2. Woman takes on mission to ensure historic buildings are honored in Chicago's West Loop.

Excerpt: "Fairbanks is on a mission — working with local aldermen and the chamber of commerce in the West Loop to make historic plaques a property. She wants to help brick-and-mortar tell meaningful stories, and Ald. Bill Conway (34th) is on board.

"'These plaques are a great way to share stories and connect our past with our future, and I look forward to working more with Connie on this initiative to showcase the West Loop's unique history,' Conway said in a statement."

(Submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2026

3. The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children Marker

Union Park is across the street.

The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2026

4. The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children

Mary Thompson (1829–1895) image. Click for more information.

Bust by Daniel Chester French, courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago (CC0)

5. Mary Thompson (1829–1895)

This bust of Mary Thompson is on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was completed by sculptor Daniel Chester French in 1902; French's best-known work is the Abraham Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.