El Paso's Sunny History as a Tuberculosis Refuge

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In the early 1900s, El Paso became a haven for tuberculosis patients seeking the healing power of its warm sunshine, leading to the rise of several sanatoriums around the city. Tuberculosis, a serious and often deadly lung disease, was a major public health crisis at the time, and doctors believed that El Paso's hot, dry climate could aid in treatment. As a result, the city saw an influx of TB patients from across the country and around the world, leading to the construction of facilities like Hotel Dieu, Southwestern General Hospital, and the Hendricks-Laws Sanitorium to accommodate them.

Why it matters

El Paso's role as a tuberculosis refuge during this period highlights the city's unique history and the medical challenges faced by Americans in the early 20th century. The rise of sanatoriums in the region also contributed to El Paso's development and reputation, while the haunting legacy of these facilities continues to shape the city's culture and folklore.

The details

Tuberculosis, or "consumption" as it was known then, was a highly contagious and often fatal lung disease in the early 1900s. Doctors at the time believed that El Paso's hot, dry climate could aid in the treatment of TB, leading many patients to flock to the city in search of a cure. Several sanatoriums were built to accommodate these patients, including Hotel Dieu, Southwestern General Hospital, and the Hendricks-Laws Sanitorium. The former Mt. Franklin Country Club was also transformed into the Southern Baptist Sanitorium, one of the first such facilities in the area.

• In the early 1900s, El Paso became a hub for tuberculosis patients seeking treatment.
• Doctors believed El Paso's hot, dry climate could aid in the treatment of TB in the early 20th century.
• Many sanatoriums were built in El Paso during this period to accommodate the influx of TB patients.