About this Unit
Naval Hospital Newport, located in Newport, Rhode Island, was established in 1913 to provide medical care to Navy personnel and their families. Throughout both World Wars, the hospital played a critical role in treating wounded sailors and supporting the Atlantic Fleet stationed in the area. Over the decades, the facility expanded and modernized, adapting to advances in military medicine and the changing needs of the Navy community. In 1991, the hospital was officially closed as part of a broader realignment of military medical facilities, though medical support for the Newport naval complex continues through a branch health clinic.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the 19th Century: The Naval Hospital Newport was established in 1873 to serve the growing number of sailors and marines stationed at the Newport Naval Station, making it one of the oldest naval hospitals in the United States.
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Architectural Landmark: The original hospital building, completed in 1884, was a striking example of Victorian Gothic architecture and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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World War I Service: During World War I, the hospital rapidly expanded its capacity to care for thousands of wounded and ill sailors, including those affected by the 1918 influenza pandemic.
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World War II Expansion: In World War II, Naval Hospital Newport became a critical treatment and recovery center for returning wounded from the Atlantic and European Theaters, at one point handling over 10,000 patients in a single year.
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Women in Uniform: The hospital was among the first to employ Navy nurses, including members of the Navy Nurse Corps, which was established in 1908. During WWII, the staff included many WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).
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Presidential Connection: President John F. Kennedy received treatment at Naval Hospital Newport in 1953 for his chronic back problems while he was a U.S. Senator.
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Medical Innovation: The hospital was involved in early research and treatment programs for polio and other infectious diseases in the mid-20th century, helping advance naval medicine.
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Vietnam War Support: The hospital provided care and rehabilitation for Navy and Marine Corps personnel wounded in Vietnam, as Newport was a major Navy training and deployment hub.
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Transition and Modernization: In 1991, the historic main hospital building was closed, and medical services moved to a modern outpatient clinic at Naval Station Newport, continuing its legacy of care.
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Historic Cemetery: The grounds of the old hospital include a small cemetery with graves of sailors, nurses, and medical personnel dating back to the 19th century, reflecting the long history of naval medicine in Newport.
