Daniel Hale Williams House facts for kids
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Dr. Daniel Hale Williams House
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Dr. Daniel Hale Williams House
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 Location in Chicago metropolitan area
Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 445 E. 42nd Street, Chicago, IL |
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| Built | 1905 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000655 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The Daniel Hale Williams House was once the home of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931). He was one of the first important African American surgeons in the United States. This house is located at 445 East 42nd Street in the Grand Boulevard area of Chicago, Illinois. In 1975, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very special place in American history.
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Who Was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams?
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was a groundbreaking doctor. He made huge contributions to medicine and helped open doors for many others. His work changed how doctors treated serious injuries. He also worked hard to create opportunities for African American medical professionals.
A Pioneer in Surgery
Dr. Williams is famous for being the first American doctor to perform what we now call open heart surgery. This amazing event happened in 1893. He operated on a man who had been stabbed in the heart. At that time, doctors usually thought it was impossible to operate directly on the heart. They believed patients with such injuries would not survive. Dr. Williams proved them wrong with his brave and skillful operation. The patient lived for many years after the surgery.
Helping Future Doctors
Dr. Williams also played a key role in helping African American doctors and nurses. Many hospitals at the time did not welcome African American interns or staff. To fix this, Dr. Williams started the Provident Hospital and Training School. This was the first hospital and training school in the nation to be run by African Americans.
Under his leadership, Provident Hospital trained many medical professionals. They learned to meet very high standards. It was at this hospital that Dr. Williams performed his famous heart surgery. His efforts helped create a new generation of skilled medical workers.
About the House
The Daniel Hale Williams House is located on the south side of 42nd Street. It is in Chicago's South Side, near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It is a simple, one-and-a-half-story wooden house. It has an L-shaped design with a gabled roof.
The front of the house has a porch that covers the main entrance. There is also a window bay that sticks out. Above this bay, there is another window with a gabled top. The house itself is not known for its special architecture. It was likely built around 1905, which is when Dr. Daniel Hale Williams bought it.
