Columbia Hospital "Negro Unit"

Front: Columbia Hospital, est. 1892, opened a segregated wing for African Americans in 1934 at its Hampton St. location. In 1943, it built an expanded “Negro Unit” at the NW corner of Harden and Lady Sts. This 4-story facility was designed by architects Lafaye, Lafaye, & Fair and cost $333,000. When opened, it was equipped for 165 patients plus 30 infants. In 1972, Columbia Hospital was replaced by Richland Memorial Hospital. Reverse: In 1935, Columbia Hospital opened a segregated School of Nursing for African Americans. A first class of ten graduated in 1938. In 1941, a 3-story dormitory for African American nurses was built at the corner of Laurens and Washington Sts. It included classrooms, an auditorium, and a library. By the time the school closed in 1965, more than 400 nurses had graduated. The school was accredited by the state of S.C.