1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic

Common card · No. 386560

The Philadelphia 1793 yellow fever epidemic was an epidemic that took place in Philadelphia. During the epidemic, 5,000 or more people died between August 1 and November 9. The vast majority of them died of yellow fever, making the epidemic in the city of 50,000 people, one of the most severe in United States history. By the end of September, 20,000 people had fled the city, including congressional and executive officials of the federal government of the United States. Most did not return until after the epidemic had abated in late November. The mortality rate peaked in October before frost finally killed the mosquitoes and brought an end to the outbreak. Doctors tried a variety of treatments but knew neither the origin of the fever nor that the disease was transmitted by mosquitoes (this information was not verified until the late 19th century). Matthew Clarkson, the mayor of Philadelphia, and a committee of two dozen organized a fever hospital at Bush Hill and other crisis measures. The...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Engraving by William Birch, from The City of Philadelphia, 1800, Independence National Historical Park, Public domain