HOUSTON – A historic hospital in Houston’s Third Ward is getting new life nearly 100 years after it first opened during segregation.
Harris County is restoring and expanding Riverside General Hospital originally known as the Houston Negro Hospital a facility created to serve Black patients who had nowhere else to go.
But as construction moves forward, leaders say an important piece of history is missing: the original bronze plaque that once welcomed patients at the front entrance.
The Houston Negro Hospital opened in 1926. The plaque installed at the entrance marked the hospital’s mission and significance during a time when medical care was segregated.
Historian Carlton Houston says the plaque belongs back where it started.
“I just think this building is a historic landmark and that plaque that was installed 100 years ago belongs on that building.”
The plaque was designed by the Tiffany Company and unveiled when the hospital first opened. It was bolted at the entrance and spelled out the hospital’s mission — dedicated to the American Negro “without regards to race, creed or religion.”
Houston has a personal connection to the building. His grandparents, Dr. William Drake and Nurse Inez Taylor Drake, performed operations inside the hospital.
He says the plaque itself tells the story of why the hospital was built.
“It’s a bronze plaque it was designed by Joseph Cullinan, the man who built the hospital. He spent $80,000 of his own money to build a hospital in memory of his son who fought in World War I came back home and unfortunately died at a young age.”
In 1961, the hospital expanded and became Riverside General Hospital.
At some point, Houston says, the plaque disappeared.
“At some point, that plaque came off of that wall.”
“I did some digging and I saw it being sold by antique dealers online so that told me okay maybe the bronze plaque is still out there somewhere but we don’t know where it is.”
Now, decades later, Commissioner Rodney Ellis is leading a restoration and expansion of the historic site.
Ellis was born at what was then the Houston Negro Hospital. Once complete, the project is expected to once again provide essential healthcare services to the surrounding community.
As the county prepares for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ellis says a replica of the plaque will be created if necessary — but he hopes the original is returned.
“we’re going to have a replica done, but if somebody’s watching this newscast, if you have it, please return it. We’ll try to work out an arrangement where you can put it on loan. It may increase the value. We’re not gonna pay for it. Early on, somebody told me maybe $10,000. We’re not gonna do that. County’s been enough, but it would really be a great tribute to Mr. Cullinan for being a visionary editor during his time.“
Houston agrees.
“It would mean so much to me and so many others that important piece of history back in its rightful place.”
County leaders believe the plaque now a 100-year-old piece of Houston history may still be out there.
They are asking anyone who may have information about its whereabouts to come forward so it can be returned to the Third Ward, where it once stood as a symbol of hope and access to care during segregation.