Jacksonville Turns 200: History of local hospitals

In 1870, land was purchased for Duval Hospital and Asylum, Florida’s first non-military hospital.

In 1901, Brewster Hospital opened as the first facility for African-Americans. It closed following the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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In 1925, Duval Hospital launched the first residency program for surgeons in Florida.

In 1927, it moved to a new building designed by Henry Klutho.

In 1948, it was renamed Duval County Medical Center. In 1971, it was renamed University Hospital to reflect its affiliation with the University of Florida.

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Now known as UF Health Jacksonville, it has the area’s only Level 1 trauma center.

In 2022, the state announced $80 million in funding to upgrade the trauma center. It will honor the hospital’s late CEO, Dr. Leon Haley Jr.

In 1878, St. Luke’s Hospital was built. It was the first hospital in Florida specifically built as a hospital. The building is now home to the Jacksonville Historical Society.

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