Tangier in Accomack County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Gladstone Memorial Health Center
Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010
1. Gladstone Memorial Health Center Marker
Dr. Charles Gladstone (1880 - 1968) was Tangier's longest serving doctor. He arrived in 1918 and was always on call. Monthly, he would go door-to-door to collect his flat fee of $1.50 but would accept whatever the family could afford. This monthly fee covered any necessary medical services he could provide. Dr. Gladstone announced his retirement in 1954, but stayed on until 1957, as it took a lengthy and international search to locate his replacement, Dr. Mikio Kato. The Gladstone Memorial Health Center, built by Grover Charnock, was dedicated April 28, 1957.
Today, transportation makes it easier for residents to leave the island for complex medical care, making a resident physician no longer a necessity. Still, most residents get their primary care here in Tangier. There are plans to build a new clinic facility.
In 2006, Dr. David Nichols was named the "Country Doctor of the Year" for his 27 year commitment to Tangier. Dr. Nichols continues to fly out weekly in his helicopter. Tangier's health needs are also looked after by our resident physician's assistant and three resident nurses.
Erected by Tangier History Museum & Interpretive Cultural Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine
this page online
Location. 37° 49.655′ N, 75° 59.519′ W. Marker is in Tangier, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is on Main Ridge Road just north of Janders Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tangier VA 23440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. 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 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: Jim's Gift Shop (a few steps from this marker); Tangier Island World Wars I and II Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Double Six (a few steps from this marker); Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Copter Flying Medicine to Tangier (within shouting distance of this marker); Swain Memorial United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Telephone Office, Post Office & Myrts (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tangier.
Also see . . . Tangier Island Health Foundation. Website homepage:
The web site for the new clinic also features articles about Dr. David Nichols. (Submitted on January 13, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010
2. Gladstone Memorial Health Center and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,006 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
