Burrell Memorial Hospital, hospital in Virginia, United States
Burrell Memorial Hospital is a historic building in Roanoke that was the first hospital in Southwest Virginia built specifically to serve African-American patients. It has a functional design with three wings radiating from a central core, featuring large windows and clean lines typical of mid-20th century architecture.
The hospital was founded in 1915 and named after Dr. Isaac David Burrell, a physician who died suddenly while plans for the facility were being made. It started as a 10-bed clinic and expanded dramatically in the 1950s with a new four-story building, before closing in 1978 as legal desegregation made separate hospitals unnecessary.
This hospital served as a gathering place where the African-American community could access medical care without facing barriers. Families relied on it for childbirth, dental work, and everyday treatment that was unavailable to them elsewhere in the city.
The building is accessible to visitors interested in its history, though it now serves as a mental health center rather than a hospital. It is helpful to inquire in advance if you wish to explore the site, as the focus has shifted away from historical tours.
The hospital was the first in Southwest Virginia to receive full approval from the American Board of Surgeons. Its successful operation proved that African-American doctors and administrators could operate complex medical facilities at a professional level.
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