Camp Pike Arkansas African American Army Soldiers At Hospital Real Photo Postcard
Camp Pike, established in 1917 near Little Rock, Arkansas, served as a primary U.S. Army training cantonment during World War I. Its Base Hospital was vital for managing the health of thousands of recruits, addressing a range of medical needs from training injuries to widespread infectious diseases, notably the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. This image captures a typical hospital ward from the period, likely dating to the late 1910s or early 1920s, emphasizing the structured environment of military medical facilities.
The "Cheerful Ward" title likely aimed to bolster morale or project an image of effective care provided to service members. The patients appear to be African American soldiers, reflecting the segregated nature of the U.S. military during this era, though all soldiers received necessary medical attention. The presence of nurses underscores the significant role women played in wartime healthcare, while the functional layout with rows of beds and basic equipment was characteristic of military hospitals designed for high-volume patient care.
The "Cheerful Ward" title likely aimed to bolster morale or project an image of effective care provided to service members. The patients appear to be African American soldiers, reflecting the segregated nature of the U.S. military during this era, though all soldiers received necessary medical attention. The presence of nurses underscores the significant role women played in wartime healthcare, while the functional layout with rows of beds and basic equipment was characteristic of military hospitals designed for high-volume patient care.
