St. John's Hospital

In 1909, San Angelo had a population of 15,000 and no hospital to serve the needs of its people. That year the San Angelo Business Club, forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce, appealed to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio for help in establishing a hospital. The Roman Catholic religious order had founded several sanitariums throughout the state since coming to Texas in 1866. Land at this site, then several miles east of the city, was secured, and a four-story, red brick hospital building was constructed. Under the direction of the Sisters, St. John's Sanitarium opened in October 1910. Few patients were treated during its first year of operation because they had to travel the distance from San Angelo on inadequate roads. The sisters were often paid for their services with farm products. As the first hospital of its size in West Texas, St. John's has served the area well. It was one of the region's pioneers in the usage of x-ray equipment, penicillin, and other medical innovations. Over the years, additional facilities have been built as demand for services has increased. In 1970, the original building was razed, but the institution has continued to uphold the ideals and traditions on which it was founded. (1985)

St. John's Hospital is a historical marker in San Angelo, Tom Green County, dedicated in 1985. It is one of 43 historical markers documented in Tom Green County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 130 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4996, -100.4007 near San Angelo. The nearest cataloged historic site is Willeke, John, Jr., House (historic place), about 2.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Eckert House, Beck, Fred, and Willeke, John, Sr., House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5451005044. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.