Greenville Encampment: Sedgwick Hospital

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Sedgwick Hospital was one of many area hospitals that serviced the military during and after the Civil War. The Greenville Encampment, located along the lower boundary of Carrollton (Lowerline Street), was part of the land formerly owned by Pierre Foucher. Military forces tore down the Foucher residence to make room for Sedgwick Hospital.

Sedgwick Hospital consisted of 15 one-story pavilions, a kitchen and dining facility, and a two-story administration building. The buildings were connected by covered walkways. The military constructed buildings holding patients at a distance from one another for health reasons and better fire protection.

Throughout the country, it was more common for Union soldiers to die from diseases than battle-related injuries. This fact was exacerbated in the subtropical climate of South Louisiana, where mosquitoes quickly spread diseases including yellow fever.

Construction of Sedwick Hospital did not finish until 1864. The hospital remained in use for a few years after the war ended.