Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center

• Origins in World War I: Fitzsimons Army Medical Center was established in 1918 in Aurora, Colorado, originally as Army Hospital No. 21, to treat soldiers suffering from tuberculosis during and after World War I. • Named after a Hero: The hospital was named in honor of Lieutenant William T. Fitzsimons, the first American medical officer killed in action during World War I, in France in 1917. • Iconic Main Building: The main building, built in 1941, is a landmark art deco structure known for its imposing central tower, which became a symbol of the hospital and the surrounding community. • President Eisenhower’s Recovery: In 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower was hospitalized at Fitzsimons following a heart attack. He spent seven weeks recovering there, bringing national attention to the facility. • Leading Tuberculosis Care: For decades, Fitzsimons was renowned for its advanced research and treatment of tuberculosis, playing a key role in the fight against the disease in the United States. • World War II Expansion: During World War II, the hospital expanded dramatically, at one point housing over 3,000 beds and serving as a major treatment and rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers. • Medical Innovation: Fitzsimons Army Medical Center was a site of numerous medical innovations, including advancements in pulmonary medicine and the development of specialized treatments for soldiers. • Training and Education: The center served as a training ground for thousands of Army medics, nurses, and doctors, including specialized programs in tropical medicine and burn care. • Closure and Legacy: The hospital was closed in 1996 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Its campus is now the site of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. • Historic Recognition: The Fitzsimons building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its unique architectural and historical significance.