French archaeologists recently discovered the remains of a World War I-era American hospital.
France’s National Institute for Preventive Archeology (INRAP) said in a French press release translated into English that the camp site was discovered in Gagneries du Tertre, in the town of Savenais. Thavenais is located in the Pays de la Loire region in northwestern France.
A May 16 press release explained that the ruins of the hospital had recently been excavated and that it had been built to help Americans avoid having to rely on French hospitals.
“Hundreds of hospital facilities connected by ambulances and medical trains [were] Everything from simple field hospitals to vast hospitals are being built across the country. [structures able] It can accommodate up to 25,000 injured or sick people. [people]” INRAP explained.
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Among the artifacts discovered in an American hospital built during World War I was a rusty, century-old razor. (National Institute of Archaeology)
The hospital was strategically located near the ports of Nantes and Saint-Nazaire for easy connections to France’s main railway lines. The first “Sammy”, or American soldier, arrived in France in June 1917.
Photos published by INRAP show archaeologists finding medicine bottles, combs, buttons and even a smoking pipe during excavations.
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The remains of a hospital were discovered at Gagneries du Tertre, in the town of Savenais. (National Institute of Preventive Archaeology)
Along with the shoes, medical clamps, razors, a watch case and various cups were also found.
The site was divided into two parts: a fenced area created to protect the hospital, and a section made up of 20 “dumps” that contained both construction waste and artifacts. Archaeologists found evidence of a network of water pipes that provided clean water.
INRAP explained that similar American hospital complexes function as “true autonomous cities”, with separate sewerage networks and sometimes even their own rail services.
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Among the many artifacts archaeologists discovered were ink bottles and tin cans. (National Institute of Preventive Archaeology)
“[The dump pits] A translated press release states: “Both excavation and reclamation, consisting mainly of construction waste, testify to a certain homogeneity. Parts were removed.”
INRAP used the dig as an opportunity to teach high school students about preventive archaeology. The group said the archaeological dig offers “a number of research perspectives” and that an exhibit about the project will open to the public on Thursday.
INRAP reported that the excavation yielded valuable historical information about Americans during World War I. (National Archaeological Institute)
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