Historic Quarantine Station in 1917 Galveston, TX

This photograph captures Quarantine No. 2 in Galveston, Texas, around 1917, a crucial period marked by the use of quarantine facilities to manage public health. Between 1910 and 1920, Galveston was a significant port of entry, necessitating strict health measures to control the spread of diseases like yellow fever. The quarantine facility was essential for isolating infected individuals and protecting the larger population.

Documented by the Bain News Service, this image serves as a snapshot of the public health efforts in response to epidemiological challenges of the early twentieth century. The operations at Quarantine No. 2 reflected broader initiatives taken across the United States during an era when cities grappled with outbreaks and sought to enforce health regulations to safeguard their communities. Understanding these historical practices reveals the evolution of public health policy that continues to shape how we manage health crises today.