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Presidio of San FranciscoU.S. Public Health Service Hospital, 1930s
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Presidio of San Francisco
Public Health Service Hospital
The Public Health Service Hospital today.
The Public Health Service Hospital today.

Built in 1875 and originally called the U.S. Marine Hospital, the Public Health Service Hospital initially tended the needs of merchant seamen. Eventually the hospital also cared for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and other governmental agencies, Native Americans and Vietnam refugees. In addition, important research on plague diseases was conducted here. A new hospital replaced the old in 1932, and two wings were added in the 1950s. After the hospital's closure in 1981, the Military Language Institute used part of the facility from 1982 to 1988.

Bee collecting pollen  

Did You Know?
Over 60 species of bees can be found in the Presidio. This very diverse population results from ample nesting habitats in the Presidio’s soft, sandy soils, as well as a large variety of coastal scrub plants to provide nectar and pollen.

Last Updated: August 19, 2006 at 17:27 EST