Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
On This Site
1. Photo Wanted
No photo available
Although designed as one total structure, the Pine Building rose in stages. When completed in 1804, it stood, in part, as a monument to the architectural and building skills of Samuel Rhoads.
In the Center unit as a system of beams frame the floors. It is similar to ship framing, and it is thought that ship-builders were employed, or at least their techniques used, to construct this portion of the building, one of the largest in the city at the time.
When the Pine Building was completed, the East and West Wings housed patients and the Center unit became the administrative center. It provided room for the apothecary shop and living quarters for some of the staff, as well as the home for the library.
The Center unit now houses administrative offices, the historical library and the oldest existing surgical amphitheatre in North America. An adjacent room, once the recovery room, is devoted to historical and health education exhibits.
Erected by Pennsylvania Hospital Historic Walking Tour. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 39° 56.689′ N, 75° 9.345′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named On This Site (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (a few steps from this marker); William Penn (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Pennsylvania Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Pennsylvania Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Additional commentary.
1. Photographing the Marker
Hospital staff must escort anyone photographing the grounds to ensure patient privacy. Photos were taken after clearing with the media department.
— Submitted January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 15 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 17, 2023.
