I’d heard of railroad hospitals, and the name seemed self-explanatory in that they were hospitals that served the huge number of employees in a dangerous industry, but I had no idea that they were such a critical part of St. Louis employment history and national history, as well. Interestingly, they were primarily in the west and south, and St. Louis had two, the Missouri Pacific and Frisco (which we’ll look at tomorrow). It lowered mortality and disability rates, as well, compared to railroads that didn’t possess these hospitals. But they did not provide for maternity or venereal diseases.

Of the approximately forty of these hospitals, St. Louis had two, so a not insubstantial percentage were here, showing just how important of a rail hub the city was, and still is. The Missouri Pacific Hospital here on South Grand possessed 375 beds.

There are some pesky trees that block the view of the hospital today, but you can still get a good impression of the building.

Now this is a real Renaissance Revival building, with the classic signs such as the half lunette window lintels as well with the temple pediment versions on low levels.

The top level has seen some additions, most likely to increase capacity.

Here is another view of the hospital when it first opened.

Interestingly, this was also at least the second location of the hospital. It also had a previous location at the northeast corner of Henrietta Street and California Avenue in the Compton Hill area as seen on this fire insurance map and photograph.

The former Hodgen School, now demolished, was just to the south. The successor school building was actually built on the site of the former hospital.