Hôtel-Dieu de St. Joseph

hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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June 29, 2026

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The Hôtel-Dieu de St. Joseph was a hospital founded in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1644 by Jeanne Mance. This institution was the beginning of the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, now recognized as the oldest nursing group organized in North America. The establishment of this hospital was part of the early missionary efforts in Montreal, then known as Ville-Marie.12

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Montreal
Early settlement
The first hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu, was founded in 1644 by Jeanne Mance and the first school for girls in 1653 by Marguerite Bourgeoys. Almost immediately, a society of priests, Les Messieurs de Saint-Sulpice, took charge of education for boys.
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The first hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu, was founded in 1644 by Jeanne Mance and the first school for girls in 1653 by Marguerite Bourgeoys. Almost immediately, a society of priests, Les Messieurs de Saint-Sulpice, took charge of education for boys.
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hospital
History of hospitals
…was the beginning of the Hôtel-Dieu de St. Joseph, out of which grew the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, now considered to be the oldest nursing group organized in North America. The first hospital in the territory of the present-day United States is said to have been a…
Read More
…was the beginning of the Hôtel-Dieu de St. Joseph, out of which grew the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, now considered to be the oldest nursing group organized in North America. The first hospital in the territory of the present-day United States is said to have been a…
Read More