Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Alexandria's Oldest Hospital

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

1. Alexandria's Oldest Hospital Marker

Inscription. The Alexandria Sanitarium, founded by six area physicians, was opened January 1, 1903 in a former hotel at Second and Lee streets "to provide for a skillful treatment of medical and surgical cases of any nature." In 1905 the first building at Third and Scott streets, one block northeast, was built by the Scott Street Land and Development Co., Dr. John L. Wilson, president. In 1917 the property was given to the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the name changed in 1919 to The Baptist Hospital. The Convention operated the hospital for 53 years, adding units in 1918, 1936, 1941, 1944 and 1947. In 1970 the hospital was released to become a not-for-profit community hospital and the name changed in 1971 to Rapides General Hospital. Rapides Regional Medical Center, established in 1981, by 1990 included the Medical Terrace, Medical Plaza, Cancer Treatment Center and the Rapides Women's Hospital. In 1994 RRMC entered a joint venture with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation to become part of the Columbia Regional Health System.

Erected by Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this

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topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1942.

Location. 31° 18.857′ N, 92° 26.988′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. It is at the intersection of Medical Center Drive and 4th Street, on the left when traveling north on Medical Center Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria LA 71301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana

and in Acadiana — Cajun Country.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

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: Reflection of a Youth / We Must Not Forget (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Louisiana Connection (about

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

2. Alexandria's Oldest Hospital Marker

500 feet away); The Trials of Nazis at Nuremberg, Germany, 1945-49 (about 500 feet away); St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Complex (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emmanuel Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Hotel Bentley (approx. 0.3 miles away); Louisiana Maneuvers (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,898 times since then and 163 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.