St. Ignatius Hospital

St. Ignatius Hospital is a historic hospital located in Colfax, Washington. It was established in 1893 by the Sisters of Providence, a Catholic religious institute, and served as a primary medical facility in the region until its closure in 1964.

History

St. Ignatius Hospital was founded by the Sisters of Providence, who were invited to Colfax by the local parish priest. The hospital was named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. The hospital was initially housed in a small wooden building, but a larger, four-story brick building was constructed in 1893 to accommodate the growing number of patients.

During its operation, St. Ignatius Hospital provided a range of medical services, including surgery, maternity care, and treatment for infectious diseases. The hospital was also known for its nursing school, which trained many nurses who went on to serve in hospitals throughout the region.

Closure and Aftermath

St. Ignatius Hospital closed in 1964 due to financial difficulties and the opening of a new hospital in nearby Pullman, Washington. The building was subsequently used for various purposes, including as a nursing home and a boarding house. In recent years, the building has gained a reputation as a haunted location and has been featured on several paranormal television shows.

Preservation Efforts

In 2013, the St. Ignatius Hospital Preservation Society was formed to preserve and restore the historic building. The society has conducted several fundraising events and has worked to secure grants for the restoration project. The goal is to transform the building into a community center and museum that celebrates the history of the hospital and the Sisters of Providence.

See Also

• List of hospitals in Washington
• History of hospitals

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