History of Healing

Bellevue Hospital

Opened in 1736, Bellevue Hospital is located in New York City and is the oldest public hospital in the United States. A public hospital means that it is owned by the government. It is also one of the largest by number of beds at 844. The hospital began its life a the city’s first permanent almshouse, which is a charitable housing provided to the people of in a particular community. Bellevue has many firsts under their belt, aside from being the first public hospital, it also boasts the first maternity ward in the US in 1799. In 1867, physcians at Bellevue were extremely instrumental in developing the New York City sanitary code, which was also the first in the world.

Charity Hospital

Another old hosital with a great history is Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Lousianna. Founded in May of 1736 by a grant from a French sailor and shipbuilder, Jean Louis, but died the year prior. It was his last will that set the hospital in motion. Originally named L’Hôpital des Pauvres de la Charité which translate “The Charity Hospital for the Poor”. It was very profitable and helped many people but sadly in 2005, the hospital was struck by the legendary Hurrican Katrina. Unfortunately Charity Hospital could not take the storm and was closed shortly aftwards.

Pennsylvania Hospital

This hospital has a famous backer to its credit. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond came together and built an institution “for the reception and cure of the sick poor…free of charge.” Founded in May of 1751 but wasn’t built till 1756, it is the second oldest public hospital. It is now a private (meaning it is not owned by the government), non-profit teaching hospital. It also can boast a count of 515 beds within it’s walls. The main building is now a National Historic Landmark.

Weill Cornell Medical Center

This historic hospital was founded in 1771 with a charter from King George III of Great Britian and Ireland. It is a research and teaching hospital for Cornell University’s medical school in New York City. It is the city’s second oldest hospital and third oldest in the country. It is also part of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.