Burrell Memorial Hospital facts for kids
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Burrell Memorial Hospital
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Burrell Memorial Hospital, February 2010
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 611 McDowell St. NW, Roanoke, Virginia |
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| Area | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Built | 1954 |
| Architect | Hannaford, Harvey E. (Samuel Hannaford & Son, Cincinnati, OH); Stone and Thompson (Roanoke, VA). |
| Architectural style | International Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000450 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 22, 2003 |
Burrell Memorial Hospital was a very important hospital for African-American people in Roanoke, Virginia. It was located in the Gainsboro neighborhood. Today, the building is known as the Burrell Center and is home to Blue Ridge Behavioral Health.
The hospital first opened on March 18, 1915. It started small, with only 10 beds, in a converted house. Later, in 1921, it moved to a bigger building with 55 beds. The final building, which you can see today, was built between 1954 and 1955. It's a four-story building with a modern design called International Style.
For many years, from 1915 to 1965, Burrell Memorial Hospital was the only medical facility in Roanoke that served African-American patients. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 because of its historical importance. The hospital closed in 1979.
Why Burrell Memorial Hospital Was Needed
In the early 1900s, hospitals in Virginia, especially in the Appalachian region, were segregated. This meant that hospitals only allowed white patients. There were no hospitals in Roanoke or southwest Virginia for African-American people.
Several African-American doctors in the area wanted to change this. One of these doctors was Dr. Issac David Burrell. Sadly, Dr. Burrell became very sick and had to travel far away to Washington, D.C., to get treatment. He passed away after his surgery. His death showed how badly a hospital for African-American people was needed in Roanoke.
Opening and Growth
To honor Dr. Burrell, Burrell Memorial Hospital opened on March 18, 1915. It started with just 10 beds. Even though it began small, it grew to become the first African-American hospital to get full approval from the American Board of Surgeons.
Dr. Lylburn C. Downing became the hospital's first leader, called the superintendent. He was also the first African-American doctor to join the Roanoke Medical Society. He led the hospital until 1947. Other doctors and community leaders, like Dr. Williman, Dr. Roberts, John Claytor, Sr., and Jerry Cooper, helped start the hospital.
In 1919, there was a big flu outbreak. This showed that the hospital needed more space. So, in 1921, the hospital moved to a larger building. This building was used until 1955, when the current, modern hospital building was opened.
A Place of Care and Change
Burrell Memorial Hospital was a very important place for the African-American community. It provided essential medical care when other hospitals would not.
The hospital continued to serve the community until 1965. In that year, the Civil Rights Act was passed. This new law made it illegal for hospitals to be segregated. After this, all hospitals had to treat patients of all races.
Burrell Memorial Hospital closed in 1979. Today, the building is used by Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, providing different kinds of care to the community.
