Mercy Hospital Insane Asylum
From Asylum Projects
| Mercy Hospital Insane Asylum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Opened | 1872 |
| Current Status | Demolished |
| Building Style | Single Building |
| Location | Davenport, IA |
| Alternate Names |
|
History[edit]
On Jan. 7, 1950, a horrific fire ravaged St. Elizabeth's Hospital for the Mentally Ill, killing approximately 40 individuals, the majority of which were patients. According to most sources, the fire was caused by a patient who lit some curtains with a cigarette lighter. Because the building was largely made out of wood and contained no sprinkler systems or fire alarms, the flames quickly spread throughout the facility without restraint.
Now the location of Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, a small cemetery has been erected in honor of those who died as a result of St. Elizabeth's fire. Sixteen of the 41 victims are buried at the site.
