Near Fairfax in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Doctor's Life
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013
1. A Doctor's Life Marker
The Post's surgeon lived here. In addition to treating the sick and injured, the post surgeon was himself a commissioned officer, in charge of enforcing proper sanitary measures. The regular inspection of living quarters, the water supply, cooking, and sanitary facilities came under his authority. The doctor and his staff not only served the needs of the military personnel, but often cared for the sick in the surrounding area. For soldiers and civilians alike, accidents and diseases, rather than battle wounds, were the major problems.
In 1856, Dr. Alex Hasson, assistant surgeon at Fort Ridgely, wrote about a patient with a dislocated shoulder:
The patient was brought to the hospital somewhat drunk and in great agony, and being a powerful man, was almost unmanageable. Without the induction of anesthesia, all attempts at reduction... would have been attended with great risk of aggravating the original injury.... A towel strongly charged with chloroform, partly through persuasion and partly by force, was applied to his mouth and nostrils, and almost in a moment he lay senseless and relaxed.
Fort Ridgely
Erected by the Minnesota Historical
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 44° 27.157′ N, 94° 44.086′ W. Marker is near Fairfax, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. It can be reached from County Highway 30 1.1 miles west of State Highway 4, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Fort Ridgely State Park; fee area – a Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72404 County State Aid Highway 30, Fairfax MN 55332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota and specifically in the Minnesota River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Surgeon's QuartersHeadquarters (here, next to this marker); Five Days and Nights on the River (a few steps from this marker); Officers' QuartersC (a few steps from this marker); Surprise Attack at Redwood Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); A Second Wave of Attacks (within shouting distance of this marker); Reinforcements Arrive (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ridgely State Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers' QuartersB (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013
2. A Doctor's Life Marker
The surgeons' living quarters, located here, was at the south end of the post; the hospital was located at the north end.
