Buchanan County Infirmary

Buchanan County Infirmary

Buchanan County Infirmary

The Buchanan County Infirmary was a historic hospital located in Buchanan County, Missouri. Established in the late 19th century, the infirmary served as a critical healthcare facility for the county's residents, particularly those who were indigent or without means to afford private medical care.

History

The Buchanan County Infirmary was founded in 1881 to provide medical care and housing for the poor and elderly of Buchanan County. The infirmary was part of a broader movement during the period to establish public institutions to care for the needy, which included poorhouses and almshouses.

Architecture

The infirmary building was an example of late 19th-century institutional architecture. It featured a large, multi-story brick structure with a central administrative building flanked by patient wards. The design was intended to be both functional and imposing, reflecting the era's approach to public health and welfare.

Services

The infirmary provided a range of services, including general medical care, long-term care for chronic illnesses, and housing for the elderly. It also served as a quarantine facility during outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza.

Closure and Legacy

The Buchanan County Infirmary continued to operate until the mid-20th century, when changes in public health policy and the advent of modern healthcare facilities led to its closure. The building was eventually demolished, but its legacy remains an important part of Buchanan County's history.

Related Pages

• Buchanan County, Missouri
• Hospital
• Poorhouse
• Almshouse
• Tuberculosis
• Influenza