1872: Three local physicians open the first permanent
hospital in Dallas to care for indigent patients. It is at Wood and Houston
streets, in the midst of the city's “red light” district.
1872: The city of Dallas hires a physician, who submits
the lowest bid, to care for prisoners. Paupers often wait for him to finish
his rounds so they may be treated on the jail house steps.
1874: A new hospital, on the northeast corner of Columbia
and South Lamar streets, comprises a one-room, 25-by-50-foot house with
an adjoining kitchen and privy.
1879: An 18-foot square wooden building is added for
female patients.
1885: The city buys a two-room frame schoolhouse to enlarge
the hospital.
1893: Voters approve $40,000 in bonds for a new hospital
on 17 acres just outside the city limits at the intersection of Maple
and Oak Lawn avenues.
May 19, 1894: Parkland Hospital opens in a group of frame
buildings at Maple and Oak Lawn avenues.
