Historical Marker

Site of Old Saint Mary's Infirmary

First private and first Catholic hospital in Texas. Founded 1866 by three Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate World, newly arrived from Lyons, France. First (1867) hospital fought yellow fever epidemic just months after opening. Sisters later founded orphanage for victims.

A larger building (1876) took in survivors of great 1900 hurricane. In 1947, the unfinished south wing sheltered victims of the tragic Texas City chemical explosions. Present hospital was built in 1965.