Health, Medicine, and Politics in 19th Century Texas

The John P. McGovern Collection of Texas Historical Medical Documents have been fully processed and digitized, and the finding aid. is also available. This collection, donated by Dr. John P. McGovern, includes medical ledgers, bills, apothecary receipts, legal documents, colonization contracts, a book about effects of climate and weather changes on disease and death, correspondence, legislative and government records, official government seals, Republic-era currency, and more! All historical documents in this collection have been digitized and can be viewed and accessed alongside the finding aid. The records in this collection were created primarily by Texas-based physicians and surgeons during the pre-Republic era to the beginning of the 20th century, making it the oldest collection of historical documents in the McGovern Historical Center.

This one-of-a-kind collection reflects Dr. John P. McGovern’s deep interest in and fascination with the history of 19th century medicine, and the physicians who—for better or worse—employed their “modern” education, training, and expertise providing care to their fellow Texans. See more at the blog post entitled, "Health, Medicine, and Politics in 19th Century Texas".

Items from this exhibit are from the McGovern Historical Center at The TMC Library.