National Register Listing

Parkland Hospital

a.k.a. Woodlawn Hospital; Old Parkland Hospital

3819 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX
Parkland Hospital at 3819 Maple Avenue was designed by the Dallas architect Hubbell & Greene. First opening in 1913 and expanded in 1921, it is the city's oldest hospital building. Parkland Hospital is locally significant and eligible for the National Register under Criterion A for Health/Medicine. Its development represented the city government's embrace of 20th-century medical practices while also attempting to elevate the city's place in the hierarchy of modern metropolises. Prior to its construction, hospitals largely functioned as sanitariums based on the miasma theory of disease. Treatments were generally passive. Hospitals did not provide treatments distinct from the home and functioned largely on removing the indigent from society. Caregivers were generally well-meaning but without professional training. Modern hospitals such as Parkland were based on the germ theory of medicine with professionally trained medical staff. Treatments were proactive and relied on modern equipment and technology. With architecture far beyond functional needs, the city of Dallas boosted Parkland to demonstrate its superiority over comparable cities. Parkland then formed a foundation and expression of the city's commitment to public health, resulting in the city's tradition of excellence in health care. Parkland Hospital is also locally significant and eligible for the National Register under Criterion A for Community Development. It served as the catalyst for co-locating other medical facilities in the Oak Lawn neighborhood as a medical center. At its peak in the 1920s, the area was known as "hospital row" and featured six major medical facilities and 17 medical clinics. It also served as the first home to Southwestern Medical College (now the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center).
Local significance of the building:
Health/medicine; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

health medicine community planning and development
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Dallas County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history that has contributed to its growth and significance. Here is a concise summary of its historical journey:

Established in 1846, Dallas County played a crucial role in the development of North Texas. The county's namesake, George Mifflin Dallas, was the Vice President of the United States at the time. The city of Dallas, the county seat, quickly emerged as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.

During the late 19th century, Dallas County experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as cotton, railroads, and cattle. The city of Dallas became a major hub for cotton trading, attracting business and establishing itself as a prominent financial center in the Southwest.

In the 20th century, Dallas County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in the early 1900s led to the development of the oil industry in the region, contributing to the county's prosperity. The county also played a significant role in the aerospace industry, hosting the headquarters of major aerospace companies and contributing to the growth of aviation technology.

Dallas County's cultural landscape reflects its vibrant and diverse population. The county is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Dallas County also played a notable role in the civil rights movement, with important milestones in the fight for equality and integration.

Today, Dallas County stands as a major economic and cultural center. It boasts a robust economy supported by various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The county is known for its thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary offerings.

With its rich history, economic vitality, and cultural significance, Dallas County continues to shape North Texas as a dynamic and influential region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Comanche.

  • 1839: Dallas County was officially established and named after George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President of the United States under President James K. Polk.

  • Mid-19th Century: Dallas County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Dallas as a trading post and the arrival of settlers drawn by the opportunities in trade and agriculture.

  • Late 1800s: The county prospered with the expansion of railroads, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which solidified Dallas as a major transportation hub.

  • Early 20th Century: Dallas County saw a surge in economic development and urbanization. Industries such as oil, cotton, banking, and manufacturing fueled the city's growth.

  • 1960s: Dallas County gained national attention due to its role in the civil rights movement. The city of Dallas was the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

  • Late 20th Century: Dallas County continued to experience rapid growth and diversification, becoming a major center for business, finance, and telecommunications. The county is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District.

  • Today, Dallas County is the second-most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area.