Sisters Fridolina Pieper, Rosa Walzer and Augustina Quartmann arrived in Litchfield, Illinois on November 13, 1875. For three months, they lived in the upper story of the John Weigers’ home on West Edwards Street.
History
What began in the upper story of a borrowed home has grown into a cornerstone of health care for central Illinois. The story of HSHS St. Francis is one of steady, faithful service to the community for over 150 years.
1875 | Three Sisters Arrive
1876 | The First St. Francis Hospital
The Hospital Sisters purchased a house on the corner of Columbia and Jackson Streets and enlarged it to provide room for a few patients. This was the first St. Francis Hospital.
1891 | A New Hospital Built
A new St. Francis Hospital was built on South State Street that could accommodate 20 patients.
1906 | A New Addition
A northeast addition was completed that included patient rooms, an operating room, kitchen, chapel, and a dormitory for the Sisters.
1912 | Addition to the South
A south addition was completed that included patient rooms and a remodeled third story.
1923 | Addition to the Northeast
Another northeast addition was completed that included a chapel, convent, and central heating plant.
1931 | Last Addition to Original Hospital
Another south addition was completed with eight private patient rooms, an entrance and lobby, and x-ray department.
1971 | Construction of a New Hospital
A new hospital north of Union Street was completed for $6.6 million. This four story building provided for 134 patients with a half-bath in each room and piped-in oxygen, was centrally heated and air conditioned.
2013 | Surgery Center Added
A surgery center on the west side of the hospital was completed. In 2020, a remodeled emergency department opened.