Dr. Mary Davis Ridgway (1873-1927)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A leader in the women's rights movement and a homeopathic physician and surgeon. She was founder of Providence General Hospital (chartered 1913), the principal officers of which were women. From 1914 to 1917 it served the community from nearby Abraham Rittenhouse Home. Political pressure then forced the hospital to move from this site, and it closed shortly after Dr. Ridgway's death.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Dr. Mary Davis Ridgway was a homeopathic physician and surgeon who moved between the operating room and the fight for women's rights in early 20th-century Philadelphia. In 1913 she chartered Providence General Hospital, an institution whose principal officers were women, and for several years it served the surrounding community. Political pressure eventually forced the hospital from its home, and it closed not long after Ridgway's death in 1927.
Why it matters
Her hospital, run by and for women in an era when both medicine and public life were dominated by men, embodies the Progressive-era push to open the professions to women.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it â museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia5.7 mi away ¡ 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center5.8 mi away ¡ 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center5.9 mi away ¡ 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House5.9 mi away ¡ 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center6.0 mi away ¡ 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia6.0 mi away ¡ 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.1 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle4.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.6 mi away
- Philly Gun Range5.1 mi away ¡ North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Burger King5.9 mi away
- Independence Mall Cafe5.9 mi away ¡ 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'5.9 mi away ¡ 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters5.9 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory5.9 mi away
- Time & Peace6.0 mi away ¡ 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia5.4 mi away ¡ 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center5.4 mi away ¡ 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia5.5 mi away ¡ 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City5.6 mi away ¡ 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA5.6 mi away ¡ 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel5.6 mi away ¡ 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
Places data Š OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change â call ahead.
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Related people
- ¡ Mary Davis Ridgway
Themes & tags
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