Houston Negro Hospital
historic place
In Harris County, Texas, stands the historic Houston Negro Hospital. Construction began in 1925, with the hospital dedicated on June 19, 1926, and officially opening in July 1927. A bronze plaque, crafted by the Tiffany Company, marked the building. It read, 'This building erected A.D. 1926, in memory of Lieutenant John Halm Cullinan... is dedicated to the American Negro to promote self-help, to inspire good citizenship and for the relief of suffering sickness and disease amongst them.' This was Houston's first non-profit hospital for Black patients. It offered a place for Black physicians to practice, as they were largely excluded from other hospitals during segregation. The hospital also established the city's first nursing school for Black nurses. In 1961, it was renamed Riverside General Hospital. This location is significant for its vital role in providing healthcare and professional opportunities to the Black community during segregation.