Historic Water Tower in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Saint John's Infirmary

Wisconsin’s First Public Hospital – 1848

Photographed By Paul F, October 13, 2009

1. Saint John's Infirmary Marker

Inscription. Founded May 15, 1848, with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul providing direction and nursing, St. John’s Infirmary offered Wisconsin’s first public hospital care under the supervision of the patient’s physician. (Prior institutions merely isolated the sick: no medical care was given.)

St. John’s original location was the southeast corner of Jackson and Wells Streets. In 1855 it was moved downtown, and, in 1858 was built on this site on three acres given by the City. The name was changed to St. Mary’s Hospital.

It was also a Marine Hospital for Great Lakes seamen. During the Civil War, the sisters cared for as many as 110 casualties at one time. A famed chief surgeon here was Dr. Erastus B. Wolcott. His achievements included the first recorded kidney removal on June 4, 1861.

Erected 1966 by The State Medical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 155.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1740.

Location. 43° 3.609′ N, 87° 52.805′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Historic Water

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Tower. Marker is at the intersection of North Lake Drive and East North Avenue, North Lake Drive, on the right when traveling north on North Lake Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milwaukee WI 53202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old North Point Water Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee Harp Luminaire (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saint Mary's School of Nursing (about 300 feet away); Villa Terrace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Milwaukee River Flushing Pump (approx. 0.6 miles away); North Point Light Station (approx. 0.6 miles away); Charles Allis House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Civil War Camp (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

Photographed By Paul F, October 13, 2009

2. Saint John's Infirmary Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,530 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on October 27, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.