Vancouver in Clark County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

The Post Hospital

—Oﬃcers Row —

By Kevin W., June 16, 2008

1. The Post Hospital Marker

Inscription. In 1904, the U.S. Army built a new Post Hospital at Vancouver Barracks as a part of a nationwide effort to modernize its forces. Unlike the previous one, the hospital was constructed with brick to enhance sanitation and boasted a spacious floor plan with open verandas to provide light and fresh air to ailing soldiers. Until the end of World War I, the Post Hospital was considered one of the most modern and efficient military hospitals in the nation.

During World War I, the hospital staff was faced with wounded soldiers, sick and injured workers from nearby lumber camps and mills, and an influenza epidemic. Several temporary structures were built and tents erected to house patients. At the peak of the crisis, over 2,550 patients were treated a month, though the Post Hospital had less than 400 beds.

In the 1930s, the hospital was opened to enrollees in the Civilian Conservation Corps, many suffering from ailments caused by poverty and malnutrition. During this time, the verandas along the north and south wings were enclosed with glass to create sun porches. The Post Hospital continued to operate through the 1940s, until it was superseded by Barnes General Hospital, built within the current Veteran’s Administration Complex.

Erected by Vancouver National Historic Reserve.

The Post Hospital and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 16, 2008

2. The Post Hospital and Marker

Marker series. This marker is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps marker series.

Location. 45° 37.633′ N, 122° 39.993′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, Washington, in Clark County. Marker is at the intersection of Barnes Street, on the right when traveling south on Barnes Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver WA 98661, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Infantry Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Red Cross Convalescent House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Artillery Barracks (about 400 feet away); The Sutler's Store (about 500 feet away); Clark County Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); The O. O. Howard House (about 600 feet away); St. James Mission (about 600 feet away); The Reservation Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

More about this marker. The background picture is of the Post Hospital, with a somewhat different view than can be seen today. "In the 1950s, the western annex, shown at the far right above, was moved to the south wing of the hospital to make room for the construction of Interstate 5." Photo of Post Hospital provided

By Kevin W., June 16, 2008

3. The Post Hospital and Marker

for use on the marker courtesy of Vancouver Barracks Building Record Scrapbook.

Categories. • Military • Science & Medicine •

The Post Hospital image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 16, 2008

4. The Post Hospital

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,569 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.