About Candler Hospital

Located in Savannah’s midtown, Candler Hospital is Georgia’s first hospital, chartered in 1804, and the second oldest continuously operating hospital in the United States. The 384-bed facility is known for the finest in primary care, outpatient services and other specialty services.

The beginnings of Candler Hospital’s ministry of healing are closely associated with the history of medicine in the earliest days of the colony of Georgia. Affiliated with the Methodist Church, Candler Hospital has been a vital part of the Savannah community for more than nine generations.

Timeline

1804-1872 - Georgia Colony's first hospital was founded for sick seamen in 1804. In 1808, it became incorporated and was named the Savannah Poor House and Hospital. The hospital was initially located in a private home on Joachin Street. In 1819, the hospital erected its first building. In 1872, the name was changed to Savannah Hospital.

1872-1888 - Savannah Hospital was headquarters for the Savannah Medical School and home to the city's first nursing school.

1930 - Savannah Hospital was acquired by the Georgia Hospital Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and renamed in honor of the Bishop, Warren A. Candler.

1960 - Candler Hospital joined forces with the longest operating women's hospital in the United States, the Telfair Hospital for Females. Created in 1886 through the estate of Mary Telfair, the hospital became Candler's obstetrical unit.

1980 - Candler Hospital moved to its current location on Reynolds Street. Believed to be the second-oldest general hospital in continuous operation in the United States, Candler Hospital has serviced more than nine generations of Savannah-area families.

1997 - Candler Hospital entered into a joint operating agreement with St. Joseph's Hospital and together formed St. Joseph's/Candler, the region's largest and most experienced healthcare provider.

Contact Us

5353 Reynolds Street
Savannah, Ga. 31405
912-819-6000