Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Industry & Commerce, Science, Site

Location

113 W Buffalo St, Warsaw, NY 14569, USA

Lat/Long

42.740495, -78.135644

Grant Recipient

Warsaw Historical Society and The Gates House Museum

In 1911, Dr. William Ross Thompson established Warsaw Hospital here on West Buffalo Street in Warsaw, NY. It was a private facility connected to his family’s home. Dr. Thompson received his medical training, specializing in surgery, at Lehigh University, University of Virginia, and Johns Hopkins University. Prior to opening this hospital, he maintained a practice in New York City for several years. His experience, expertise, and strict policies shaped Warsaw Hospital into an institution comparable to those in larger cities like Buffalo or Rochester. It quickly became well-known for its high standards and quality care. By 1912, the hospital was enlarged to accommodate the increased number of patients.

Dr. Thompson later sold his interest in Warsaw Hospital to Wyoming County in 1932. After twenty years at this facility, the county built a new hospital nearby on North Main Street. The Wyoming County Community Hospital was dedicated on October 25, 1953 and by following month, all patients were transferred from the original hospital to the new location. As of 2022, the marker stands outside the former Warsaw Hospital building, which has since been home to various businesses.