Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Public Hospital of 1773
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
1. The Public Hospital of 1773 Marker
In 1773, when Williamsburg's Public Hospital opened, it was the first facility in America dedicated solely to the care and treatment of the insane. The original building burned in 1885. Reconstructed by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1985, the Public Hospital houses an exhibit on the building's history and serves as the entrance to the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum including the Hennage Auditorium, Museum Store and Cafe.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1773.
Location. 37° 16.132′ N, 76° 42.279′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Francis Street West and South Henry Street (Virginia Route 132), on the left when traveling east on Francis Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 325 Francis St W, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of First Baptist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Galt (about 500 feet away); African American Baptist Meetinghouse Exhibit
this page online
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
2. The Public Hospital of 1773 Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
3. The Public Hospital of 1773 Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
4. A cell in 1773 at the Public Hospital.
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
5. A apartment in 1845 at the Public Hospital.
No longer called a cell, but an apartment.
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
6. A bust of Dr. John Minson Galt II
Dr. John Minson Galt II (1819-1862)
Alexander Galt (1827-1863)
Virginia, 1860-1863
Marble
Loaned by Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg, Virginia
As the hospital's first superintendent, Galt oversaw both administravtive and medical functions from 1841-1862. Trained at the Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania, he championed innovation and compassion in the asylum.
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 8, 2012
7. The Public Hospital Exhibit
Various items they used at the hospital to help its patients.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 23, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
