Historical marker describes old Mount Vernon arsenal, mental hospital

"Mt. Vernon Arsenal and Barracks" historical marker.

This week’s featured historical marker is the “MT. VERNON ARSENAL AND BARRACKS / SEARCY HOSPITAL” marker in Mobile County, Ala. This marker is located at the intersection of Mobile County Road 96 and Superintendents Drive in Mount Vernon, Ala.

This marker was erected by the Alabama Historical Association in 1982. There’s text on both sides of the marker, and both sides are different. What follows in the complete text from the marker:

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“MT. VERNON ARSENAL AND BARRACKS: Established 1828 by Congress to store arms and munitions for U.S. Army. Original structures completed 1830s. Arsenal appropriated by Confederacy 1861; equipment moved to Selma facilities. After Civil War used as U.S. Army barracks; from 1887-1894 served as holding ground for Apache Indian prisoners. Deeded to State of Alabama 1895. Josiah Gorgas, late Chief of Ordnance of Confederacy, stationed here 1850s; Dr. Walter Reed, conqueror of yellow fever, served as post surgeon 1880s; Apache chieftain, Geronimo, prisoner here 1887-1894.”

“SEARCY HOSPITAL: Mt. Vernon Hospital established 1900 by State of Alabama. Served as mental hospital for care of Black citizens. Name changed 1919 to Searcy Hospital honoring first superintendent, Dr. J.T. Searcy. Treatment for all citizens began 1969. Nine of structures dating from 1830s still in use, including Superintendent’s House, Tower Building, Pharmacy and Library. Enclosing wall dates from 1830s.”

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The marker described above features a number of important names, including Josiah Gorgas, Dr. Walter Reed, Geronimo and Dr. J.T. Searcy. Gorgas was born in Dauphin County, Pa. on July 1, 1818. In addition to serving as a Confederate general, he later served as the president of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He passed away in Tuscaloosa at the age of 64 on May 15, 1883.

"Searcy Hospital" historical marker.

Dr. Walter Reed was born on Sept. 13, 1851 in Gloucester County, Va. Known as the “First U.S. Bacteriologist,” his work on yellow fever not only saved thousands of lives, but also helped workers complete of the Panama Canal. Reed passed away in Washington, D.C. at the age of 51 on Nov. 22, 1902.

Geronimo was born in June 1829 near Turkey Creek, Mexico, in what is now the State of Arizona. Geronimo was a fierce Apache warrior who fought the Mexicans and Texans during the Apache Wars and later in life he became somewhat of a celebrity. He passed away at Fort Sill, Okla. at the age of 79 on Feb. 17, 1909.

Searcy was born on Dec. 10, 1839 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. In addition to his service in the Confederate artillery, he later became one of Alabama’s leading physicians. He passed away in Tuscaloosa at the age of 80 on April 8, 1920 and is buried in Tuscaloosa’s Evergreen Cemetery. He and his wife had 12 children.

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.