Cockerell Hospital
Eustace, Henderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1929, Dr. Lonnie Lee Cockerell (1879-1969) bought second-story building space on the northeast corner of the Eustace city square. The next year, he opened the first hospital in Henderson County. Dr. Cockerell offered a wide variety of services, ranging from vaccinations to dental work to surgery. Eustace residents came to the hospital for both acute and chronic health issues, and Dr. Cockerell accepted all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for services. In 1937, Dr. Cockerell began construction on a new hospital in Athens. He maintained the Eustace location until completion of the new structure. Although Cockerell Hospital closed in 1937, the physician continued to care for his Eustace patients. (2008)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1929 Dr. Lonnie Lee Cockerell bought second-story space on Eustace's city square, and the following year opened the first hospital in Henderson County. From vaccinations to dental work to surgery, he treated both acute and chronic cases and accepted every patient regardless of ability to pay. When he built a new hospital in Athens in 1937 the Eustace facility closed, though the physician kept caring for his local patients.
Why it matters
Cockerell Hospital reflects the role of the country doctor in bringing modern medical care—and a measure of charity—to rural Texas before organized health systems reached small towns.
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Related people
- · Dr. Lonnie Lee Cockerell
Themes & tags
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