Philadelphia General Hospital
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1729, PGH was the nation's longest operating public health care institution. Originally an almshouse, the hospital moved to this location in 1871. PGH implemented innovative medical care and education under Dr. William Osler, and the work of Florence Nightingale protégée Alice Fisher advanced nursing as a profession. Pioneering methods of cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy were applied. The hospital closed in 1977.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1729 as an almshouse, Philadelphia General Hospital grew into the nation's longest-operating public health care institution, moving to this site in 1871. It became a cradle of American medicine: Dr. William Osler advanced clinical teaching here, and Alice Fisher, a protégée of Florence Nightingale, helped establish nursing as a trained profession. The hospital pioneered methods of cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy before it finally closed its doors in 1977.
Why it matters
For nearly two and a half centuries PGH cared for Philadelphia's poor and helped shape modern American medical education and nursing, standing as a landmark in the nation's public health history.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer2.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.4 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall2.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall2.5 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.5 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand1.1 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.4 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.5 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.5 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.6 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe2.3 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.3 mi away
- Burger King2.3 mi away
- Talula's Garden2.3 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily2.3 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon2.3 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.7 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City1.7 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express1.8 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.8 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City1.8 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel1.9 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · William Osler
- · Alice Fisher
- · Florence Nightingale
Themes & tags
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