Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Mobile City Hospital
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015
1. Mobile City Hospital Marker
Built in 1830 by Thomas S. James,
Mobile's third hospital has been preserved in its original design except for additions at each end, serving without interruption through disastrous fires, yellow fever epidemics, and war. For 83 years between 1861 and 1959 it was ad-ministered for the City by the Sisters of Charity.
Erected 1964 by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 30° 41.465′ N, 88° 3.323′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Marker is at the intersection of St Anthony Street and North Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on St Anthony Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900-950 St Anthony Street, Mobile AL 36603, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. Marine Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); John L. LeFlore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph (Joe) N. Langan (about 300 feet away); Vivian Malone Jones (about 500 feet away); Caldwell School (about 800 feet away); The Convent of Mercy
this page online
Also see . . . Wikipedia article about old hospital. (Submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Additional commentary.
1. A Brief History of the Old City Hospital (see plaque).
This is the Old City Hospital Building, completed by the City of Mobile in 1838, on land acquired in 1824, for $150.00. The building's history is one with public health and medical education.
Mobile, under the French, and as the capital of the Louisiana Territory, pioneered public health services as early as 1704: continuing under the flags of England (1763), Spain (1780), The United States of America (1813), The Confederate States of America (1861), and, again The United States (1865); this building serving as the principal locale for 128 consecutive years - 1838 - 1966.
Other selected dates significant to the history of this building are:
1833 Construction begun, John K. Collins, Contractor; plans and specifications,
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015
2. Old Mobile City Hospital & marker (right side of stairs).
Now used by the Mobile Police Department.
1839 Hospital became prominent in the treatment of Yellow Fever.
1841 First matron employed; First female patients admitted. Dr. Willis Robert, Superintendent.
1852 Slaves and Freeman patients first admitted, in wooden addition.
1852 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul assumed domestic management of the hospital, their services were interrupted on several occasions, but served continuously from 1885 to 1959.
1859 Medical College of Mobile established by Dr. Josiah C. Nott, this building serving as its clinical hospital.
1861 Converted to Confederate military hospital
1865 Served as Union military hospital, and cared for wounded in Great Powder Magazine Explosion of that year.
1906-7 East-West wings added
1935 Building recorded in Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress.
1966 Building abandoned - Hospital re-located.
1970 Placed on National Register of Historic Places.
1972 Designated for restoration in adaptive use under terms of J.L. Bedsole $5000,000.00 living trust agreement.
1974 Additional needed funding ($1,200,00.00) for restoration pledged equally by City of Mobile and County of Mobile.
1975 Restoration contract awarded, renovation begun.
1976 Restoration completed, building occupied by Mobile County Department of Pensions and Security.
Photographed By A City of Mobile Employee, April 29, 2021
3. A Brief History plaque.
Photographed By A City of Mobile Employee, April 29, 2021
4. Mobile City Hospital Marker
The National Register of Historic Places Certificate located on Ground Floor near entrance.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015
5. Later restoration of building to change its use in 1976.
Located on Ground Floor near entrance.
Photographed By A City of Mobile Employee, April 29, 2021
6. Mobile City Hospital Renovation Marker
Renovation Marker Part 1 located on 1st Floor in a non-public area.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 991 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on April 29, 2021. 5. submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 6. submitted on April 29, 2021.
