Las Vegas New Mexico Hospital Grounds 1915 Real Photo Postcard

The Las Vegas Hospital in Las Vegas, New Mexico, served as a significant medical facility in the early 20th century, a period when the arid climate of the American Southwest attracted those seeking relief from respiratory ailments, particularly tuberculosis. Many such institutions in the region began as or evolved into sanatoriums, offering specialized care and a restorative environment for patients. The facility's establishment reflected the growing need for organized healthcare in developing Western towns.

This era saw a proliferation of private and public sanatoriums, leveraging the perceived therapeutic benefits of clean air and sunshine. The architecture, featuring multiple detached or semi-detached structures, suggests a design common to sanatoriums aimed at isolating patients and providing access to outdoor fresh air. Such hospitals played a crucial role in public health and community development in New Mexico during the first half of the 20th century.