Mary Fletcher (philanthropist)

American philanthropist

Mary Martha Fletcher (1830–1885) was an American philanthropist known for her significant contributions to healthcare in Vermont. She is best remembered for founding the Fletcher Free Library and the Mary Fletcher Hospital, which was the first hospital in Vermont.

Early Life

Mary Martha Fletcher was born in 1830 in Burlington, Vermont. She was the daughter of Chester Fletcher, a prominent local businessman, and Martha Fletcher. Raised in a family that valued education and community service, Mary was instilled with a strong sense of civic duty from a young age.

Philanthropic Work

Mary Fletcher's philanthropic efforts were primarily focused on improving healthcare and education in her community. Her most notable achievement was the establishment of the Mary Fletcher Hospital in 1879. This institution was the first hospital in Vermont and was founded with the mission of providing medical care to all individuals, regardless of their financial status.

Mary Martha Fletcher, philanthropist from Vermont

Mary Fletcher Hospital

The Mary Fletcher Hospital was a groundbreaking institution for its time. It was established with the help of a substantial financial donation from Mary Fletcher, who was motivated by the lack of adequate medical facilities in Vermont. The hospital was designed to serve the needs of the entire community, offering services to both the wealthy and the poor. It became a model for other hospitals in the region and laid the foundation for what would eventually become the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Fletcher Free Library

In addition to her work in healthcare, Mary Fletcher was also instrumental in the establishment of the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. This library was created to provide access to books and educational resources for the public, reflecting Mary's belief in the importance of education and lifelong learning.

Legacy

Mary Fletcher's legacy is evident in the institutions she helped to create, which continue to serve the community to this day. The Mary Fletcher Hospital, now part of the University of Vermont Medical Center, remains a leading healthcare provider in the region. The Fletcher Free Library continues to be a vital resource for the people of Burlington.

Mary Fletcher Hospital, Burlington, Vermont

Death

Mary Fletcher passed away in 1885, but her impact on the community of Burlington and the state of Vermont endures. Her dedication to philanthropy and her vision for accessible healthcare and education have left a lasting mark on the region.

Related Pages

• University of Vermont Medical Center
• Fletcher Free Library
• Burlington, Vermont