Foundation and history of a New York hospital on Ward’s Island
A timeless glimpse into the laying of the corner-stone for a state emigration hospital, this document chronicles plans, speeches, and prayers that marked a turning point in 19th-century public health.
The pages describe how officials sought to house more beds, improve medical care, and create a sanitary, self-contained complex. It also reveals the planning process, architectural ambitions, and the ceremonial events that framed the opening day on Ward’s Island in August 1864.
- A look at the debates, resolutions, and committees that shaped the project
- The people who spoke and prayed, and the dignitaries who attended
- The role of architecture and site selection in hospital design
- The cultural and civic context of New York’s public health efforts in the era
Ideal for readers of 19th-century American public history, medical history, and New York State records who want a concise account of an important infrastructure milestone.