The sign was erected for Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical to tell of the chapel's use as a hospital in October 1864.
The Toll of War
The carnage of battle meant that beside the hundreds of men killed or mortally wounded on the battlefield thousands of others had wounds or injuries that required treatment. Dozens of private homes or others structures, including St. Thomas Church were pressed into service as temporary hospitals. Conditions were deplorable, as medicine was still somewhat primitive and in short supply, knowledge about infection was little understood and the need for sterile conditions was unknown. The number of soldiers dying from infections was almost double the number who died on the battlefield.
This James Taylor sketch depicts Union doctors performing surgery inside St. Thomas Chapel following the Battle of Cedar Creek.
See my photos of the interior.
Sharing with Tuesday Treasures.
...little has been learned from centuries of war! Thanks Linda for sharing this beautiful church. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteThat was an especially horrendous war, fought among the civilian population. The chapel is a beautiful one.
ReplyDeleteField doctors were amazing when they were able to save someone
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful church, and it is interesting to know it once served as a makeshift hospital. I guess they had to do the best they could with what was available.
ReplyDeleteYes, in parts of Virginia virtually every public building was turned into a hospital. Many private homes were too.
DeleteGorgeous--inside and out!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful Church.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan