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Our Timeline

Early Foundations

1650

The Sisters of St. Joseph, a Catholic congregation of women, is founded in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.

A map of present-day Europe with Le Puy-en-Velay marked.

1698

Brothers and explorers, Pierre and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne set sail from Brest, France, and arrived at the lower Mississippi River. They encounter a prominent oxbow lake that will be named la Fausse Rivière or False River. Likewise, the surrounding area will become known as la Pointe Coupée or "the place of the cut-off".

Pierre Le Moyne, left, and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, right.

Sources:
"Pierre Lemoyne, 1661-1706." Fine Art America, Granger Historical Picture Archive, 30 June 2012.
"Sieur De Bienville." Fine Art America, Granger Historical Picture Archive, 2 July 2012.

1720

The trading post le Poste de Pointe Coupée or "the Pointe Coupée Post" is established by French settlers and Creoles.

A map of present-day New Roads which shows the approximate location of le Poste de Pointe Coupée.

Source: Sturgell, Cathy Lemoine. "Site of 'Le Poste de Pointe Coupée' and 'L'Église St-François d'Assise.'" Le Poste de La Pointe Coupée & l'église St-François D'ASSISE, Louisiana Lineage.

1738

The St. Francis of Pointe Coupée church is dedicated. It is a predecessor to today's St. Mary Church.

An image of the first St. Francis of Pointe Coupée church which was later destroyed by a strong storm. The second St. Francis Church stood until being dismantled in 1892 when its foundation began to sink into the always-shifting Mississippi River (just northwest of the New Roads-Bayou Sara ferry crossing).

The handwriting on the bottom of the image reads:
Grand Services of the [illegible], New Roads, Louisiana
St. Francis of Assisi of Pointe Coupée Parish
built in 1719

Source: Costello, Brian J. "Historical Timeline of St. Mary of False River — St. Francis of Pointe Coupee." Facebook, Pointe Coupee Parish Library II, 3 May 2023. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1776

A chemin neuf or "new road" is constructed — cutting through thick, swampy land — linking the fort of Pointe Coupée (former parish seat) on the Mississippi River with the newer residential area on False River.

A map of present-day New Roads which shows the approximate route of the chemin neuf or "new road". Today, these roads are known as Ferry Road and New Roads Street.

Source: Agator, Jean-Marc, and Jean-Pierre Bernier. "At Pointe Coupée, the Dead Arm Is Alive and Well (New Roads)." La Grande Louisiane Française, 17 March 2019.

1803

The Louisiana Purchase is finalized which sees the United States buy territory from France for fifteen million dollars.

1805

The Pointe Coupée Parish Police Jury and Dr. Louis Charles Étienne Gougis exchange land — the parish give him the old Chemin Neuf on the western edge of his tract (today, this road is known as St. Mary's Street), and in return he gives the public a new strip on the eastern edge that becomes the "new" New Road.

1822

After Dr. Gougis' death, a portion of his property is transferred to Marie Catherine Depau, a free woman of color. She divides her plantation on False River into a six-block subdivision containing 20 lots which is connected to the old Chemin Neuf (St. Mary's Street today).

1875

The Louisiana state legislature incorporates the growing town, officially naming it New Roads.

Similarly, in the years following Louisiana's 1812 statehood, the spelling of the word "Coupee" more and more begins to eschew the traditional French accent aigu over the first letter “e”. This is in large part due to the Americanization and Anglicization of names over time.

1904

Invited by Father Francis La Roche, the Sisters of St. Joseph arrive in New Roads, Louisiana.

Joseph Richy — New Roads mayor, local businessman, and philanthropist — donates a plot of land to the Sisters who aim to build a school. Two years later, the St. Joseph's School (the predecessor to today's Catholic of Pointe Coupee School) will hold its inaugural semester with 47 pupils.

A portrait of Joseph Richy. He is most likely wearing a wool 3-piece suit, typical formal attire for the early 20th century, with the T-bar from his pocket watch's chain poking through his vest's button hole.

Source: "Joseph Richy." Facebook, Pointe Coupee Parish Library II, 6 September 2016. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

The Mosely Clinic

1940

July 11: Dr. Mosely breaks ground for his new medical center, the Mosely Clinic, located at 160 East Main Street, New Roads, LA (this building was later torn down in 1977). It is diagonally across from the Pointe Coupee Parish Courthouse's front steps.

December 12: The Mosely Clinic opens its doors with 8 patient beds.

*February 17, 1942*
In operation for a little more than a year at this point, the Mosely Clinic can be seen in the background of this image taken during the 1942 Mardi Gras parade — most cities cancelled their celebrations due to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. subsequently entering World War II about 2 months prior.

The sleek, Art Deco styled lettering on top of the entrance spells out "Dr. J. M. Mosely Clinic". Below, a mule-drawn wagon showcases those supported by the Lions Club. In 1951, Dr. Durel will be appointed President of the New Roads Lions' Club.

Source: Costello, Brian J. "Carnival in New Roads." Louisiana Life, 30 December 2019. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1944

To better serve a prospering New Roads community, the clinic begins to expand its footprint by purchasing an adjacent 100+ year old home. During the process of being torn down, the home's lumber is repurposed and its solid foundation used for the Mosely Clinic's new sanatorium – a specialized area for the treatment of specific diseases, related ailments, and convalescence.

*Circa 1952-1968*
The clinic's two-story sanatorium can be seen on the right side of this photo. It has a large bank of windows that were used for "open-air treatment" which is the therapeutic use of fresh air and sunshine — a popular type of remedy during the 20th century. Such treatments were used for people with infectious respiratory diseases like influenza or tuberculosis.

The vehicle parked in front is most likely a 1941 Buick sedan.

Source: Connie, Bouquet A. "St Joseph’s hospital in New Roads." Facebook, Morganza High School Friends, 20 October 2024. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1950

During the previous decade, the clinic has grown from 8 to 21 patient beds and seen its services expanded. However, an "acute shortage" of graduate nurses has resulted in hardships — at best, clinics like Dr. Mosely's have been understaffed and, at worst, Louisiana hospitals have permanently closed.

Therefore, Dr. Mosely proposes that the Sisters of St. Joseph assume maintenance and operation of the clinic since they have the staff and skill to do so. The Sisters agree to a 1-year trial basis during which no rent will be collected by Dr. Mosely.

September 1: The Sisters officially embraced duties of the clinic and changed the name to the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital.

November 3: Dr. Mosely opens his newly built office, located two buildings west of the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital.

*Circa 1950-1977*
Dr. Mosely's new office, an "imposing red-brick structure", can be seen behind the junior marching band in this photo taken during a Mardi Gras parade. The modest, flat-roof building was constructed for $7,000 in just over 2 months. The lot was the former location of the aptly named *Riverside Cleaners* who had relocated in August 1950.

Buildings from left to right:
Partially out of frame on the left side, two windows from the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital (formerly Dr. Mosely's clinic) are visible. To the right of the hospital is the *Kearney Building* which was built in 1903. Next is Dr. Mosely's new office. Finally, on the right side of the photo with the "Regal Beer" sign and patriotic bunting flag out front is the *Riverside Saloon*.

Source: Costello, Brian J. "POINTE COUPÉE PARISH BAND HISTORY." Facebook, Pointe Coupee Parish Library II, 29 September 2023. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1951

Seven months into their stewardship, it becomes clear that the Sisters cannot financially maintain the hospital's various services. Without outside help, they will be forced to leave the hospital permanently at the conclusion of their 1-year trial.

Dr. Mosely extends the Sisters' initial trial another year without collecting any rent and clarifies that he will be unable to resume running the facility if the Sisters leave. Without an operator, the hospital is destined to be permanently closed.

As a result of this news, there is public outcry and various committees are formed – they discuss purchasing the hospital outright, utilizing the not-yet-available Hill-Burton Grant, and solicit recommendations.

1952

June 23: Thanks to a citizens' petition, the Pointe Coupee Police Jury creates the 5-member Lower Pointe Coupee Parish Hospital District.

July 17: With the Sisters' trial officially ending in 46 days on September 1, Mother Mary Anthelma (Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph in New Orleans, LA) reaffirms the Sisters to continue fully running the hospital for a short time while the hospital district forms a plan of action.

July 24: The hospital district begins applying for a $250,000 bond. An election where voters will officially decide whether or not to proceed with the bond and its repayment through a sales tax (and ultimately the fate of the hospital) is scheduled to take place on September 30.

July 30: Mother Jeanne Eudoxie (Superior General of the Congregation of St. Joseph in Bourg, France) sends a cablegram stating that since no definitive decision has been made regarding the hospital, the Sisters must vacate the hospital by August 31 at midnight.

August 7: Mother Anthelma confirms to the hospital district Mother Eudoxie's decision, stating that the Sisters will be "temporarily" withdrawn from the hospital until a "future course [is] more definitely charted".

September 1: Mother Eudoxie's deadline comes and goes, but the hospital remains open – babies are delivered and the sick are cared for.

September 30: The special election takes place.

October 2: The results of the election are announced and the $250K bond is approved by a majority of 690 to 30. It will be paid off by a 10-year 5-mill tax.

An image of the building originally constructed for the Mosely Clinic.

Barely perceptible, above the left entrance are letters that spell "Dr. J. M. Mosely Clinic". This would indicate that the photo was most likely taken before August 31, 1950 (despite being printed years later) which is when the name officially changed to the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital. The Sisters' signage, "Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital", will be placed below the white & red medical cross.

Source: "Board Asks Affirmative Vote On Hospital Bond Issue Slated Tuesday." Pointe Coupee Banner, 25 September 1952, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital

1953

The hospital district purchases from Dr. Mosely the hospital for $100,000 (whose average appraisal was $136,500). The leftover funds ($150,000) are earmarked for hospital improvements, expanding the existing facility, and erecting housing for the Sisters.

The Sisters lease the facility from the hospital district.

October 1: At their first staff meeting, Dr. Mosely is named Chief of Staff. Other elected officials are Dr. Durel as President, Dr. Roberts as Vice President, and Dr. Helm as Secretary.

*Circa 1960*
The Sisters of St. Joseph have been instrumental in helping to form New Roads and the surrounding area in the 20th century. They have been associated with Pointe Coupee General Hospital, St. Joseph Academy, Catholic of Pointe Coupee, and St. Mary of False River.

Source: Pointe Coupee General Hospital's archive.

1954

A $106,000 annex is built between the hospital and False River. It includes living quarters for the Sisters, a kitchen, laundry room, storage rooms, screened porches, and a chapel.

The remaining funds ($44,000) are used on the hospital — new treatment rooms, a doctor's lounge, and additional X-ray machines are added. The operating rooms also receive new, electrically conductive flooring to better protect their highly sensitive electronic equipment.

The hospital's new Annex is seen sitting in front of False River.

A small section of the hospital (light gray) is visible on the far left of the photo. The top of the Pointe Coupee Parish Courthouse's clock tower can be seen behind the Annex and hospital (left side of the photo). Just barely noticeable, a sliver of the former Alamo theater's building sticks out on the far right of the photo.

Despite the adjacent hospital building being demolished in 1977, the Annex exists today and has since been repurposed by the local government.

Source: Pointe Coupee Banner, 2 September 1954, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1956

The Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital passes inspection by the American Hospital Association.

The hospital is approved for a $10,000 grant from the Ford Foundation. Later in the year, new X-ray equipment and operating tables & flood lamps are purchased and installed.

*Circa 1960*
Sister Mary David and aides work together, preparing clean linens.

On the wall is a Gruen Watch Time electric wall clock. It is encompassed by the name of the local jeweller, "Hebert's Jewelry", which is located a short walk west of the hospital at 102 Main Street.

Source: "Sr. Mary David & aides." Facebook, Pointe Coupee Parish Library II, 26 October 2017. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1961

As part of its mass casualty response to the train derailment on January 31, in nearby Labarre, the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital treat a deluge of patients.

1963

A consultant is hired to analyze the parish's hospital needs. In their report, they find "a definite need for an enlargement of the hospital". This is emphasized by the 44.2% increase in inpatient load at the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital between 1953 and 1962.

They need a larger parking lot and expanded facility for nonnegotiables such as an emergency room, waiting/recovery/labor rooms, dining areas, medical records storage, and more. However, their current location simply does not have enough real estate.

This places into motion discussions of using the Hill-Burton Grant and sales tax in order to raise enough funds for a new facility at a new location.

The hospital's previous usage and projected growth.

Source: "WHAT IS THE NEED FOR A NEW HOSPITAL IN POINTE COUPEE?" Pointe Coupee Banner, 25 February 1965, p. 12.

1965

March 13: The residents of Pointe Coupee Parish pass a 1% sales tax by a 4-1 margin which will allow a new hospital to be built 2 miles down the road, replacing the Sisters of St. Joseph's Hospital.

June 8: The Pointe Coupee Police Jury purchases the 15-acre "Lebeau tract" and neighboring 300 feet of frontage on False River for $24,000 and $12,000 respectively. These parcels of land are what present-day Pointe Coupee General Hospital sits upon.

A rendering of the yet-to-be-named new hospital.

Source: "The Truth About A New Hospital!" Pointe Coupee Banner, 25 February 1965, p. 9. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1966

July 21: The Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital is approved for Medicare.

December 16: Construction of the new hospital begins with Norbert Talbot and Sister Benedicta breaking ground on the hospital's future site. Funds provided by the Hill-Burton Grant in the amount of $764,800 and the 1965 sales tax in the amount of $935,200 are used to finance the build. The total cost of the facility – including land, buildings, and furnishings – is $2,125,000.

On a crisp afternoon with a temperature of 41°F, Norbert J. Talbot and Sister Mary Benedicta McKay together break ground for the new hospital. Construction is estimated to be completed in "500 working days" or on December 12, 1968.

From left to right: Father F. S. Lamendola (former Livonia pastor), A. Hays Town (architect), Norbert J. Talbot (Pointe Coupee Police Jury president), Sister Mary Benedicta McKay (Administrator of Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital), and Mother Frances Borgia (Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph).

Source: "GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE HOSPITAL." Pointe Coupee Banner, 22 December 1966, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1967

Reflecting their ongoing commitment to professional education and enhancing patient care, the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital take receipt of a Nurse’s Reference Manual from the American Cancer Society’s Pointe Coupee Parish Unit as part of a statewide effort to improve cancer care.

1968

Sister Benedicta works with the Police Jury to obtain equipment for the new hospital. For example, an electrocardiogram machine, laboratory instruments, medical supplies, laundry facilities, and office furnishings are all sourced.

Pointe Coupee General Hospital

1969

PCGH's original logo.

Pointe Coupee General Hospital’s 60-bed building was completed and opened on Saturday, November 1st, admitting its first patient on November 3rd and delivering its first baby on November 4th. The Sisters’ convent is also completed.

Ownership is transferred to Pointe Coupee Parish. The Sisters lease the hospital from the parish for an initial three-year period.

Pointe Coupee General Hospital as seen when first opened. The vehicle out front resembles a Chevrolet Sportvan (1st Generation) which were commonly used to transport patients and staff. On the right side of the photo, the Sisters' chapel and living quarters can be seen.

Source: Roy, Brent "Dedication Of New Hospital To Be Held Sunday." Pointe Coupee Banner, 30 October 1969, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1970

In coordination with the Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury, the Louisiana Department of Highways begins planning construction of an approximately 2-mile highway located just west of PCGH.

1971

Pointe Coupee General Hospital plays a critical role during the controversial Celebration of Life rock festival, treating multiple heatstrokes, overdoses, and other injuries.

The new highway, Hospital Road, is completed for $210,000. Running alongside PCGH, this new artery links False River Drive and Morganza Highway.

Source: "NEW HOSPITAL ROAD OFFICIALLY OPEN." Pointe Coupee Banner, 14 October 1971, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1972

The Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury authorized the purchase of a narrow piece of land from Dr. Fulmer for $7,500 that will be used to connect the newly-completed Hospital Road to PCGH's campus. In a nod to Dr. Mosely and his commitment to our community, this new road is named Mosely Drive.

Likewise, two additional roads on our campus – Roberts Drive and Durel Drive – are named in honor of indispensable New Roads physicians Dr. Roberts and Dr. Durel.

A map of Pointe Coupee General Hospital's campus with Mosely Drive, Roberts Drive, and Durel Drive labeled.

1974

The Pointe Coupee Ambulance Service, Inc. begins serving the community 24/7. Part of their fleet of vehicles includes two new state-of-the-art ambulances painted bright orange and white.

Two new ambulances parked in front of Pointe Coupee General Hospital.

Prior to dedicated EMS systems with trained EMTs and paramedics, it was not uncommon for funeral homes (like local Niland's Funeral Service) to be the default emergency transport provider. This was primarily because they already had large vehicles (hearses) that could carry a stretcher and they were usually staffed around the clock.

Source: "Pointe Coupee Ambulance Service To Begin June 15." Pointe Coupee Banner, 6 June 1974, p. 1. Image has been lightly edited and colorized for clarity.

1977

The building orginally constructed in 1940 for Dr. Mosely's clinic in downtown New Roads is razed. Throughout the structure's lifetime, it housed Dr. Mosely's humble clinic, the Sisters' burgeoning hospital, and various state & parish agencies. After approximately 37 years of use, it was torn down in order to accommodate an expanding New Roads government. Shortly thereafter, a new building opened – the Pointe Coupee Parish's Courthouse Annex.

On PCGH's campus, a new 9,540 ft² (886 m²) Doctor's Office Building alongside Roberts Drive is completed for about $297,000. It will house six offices.

*Circa 1977*
An aerial view of Pointe Coupee General Hospital's campus. Two of the three buildings that comprise the new Doctor's Office Building can be seen on the left middle of the image (dark gable roofs).

Today, this group of buildings is known as the *South Medical Complex*.

Source: Pointe Coupee General Hospital's archive.

1978

The Sisters decide to not renew their lease and administration is turned over to lay personnel. Evidence of the Sisters’ early involvement in the development of PCGH is visible by their living quarters and chapel, both still located on campus today.

*2017*
Often called "the Chapel," the Sisters of St. Joseph Conference Room is one of the last physical reminders of the Sisters' presence.

1982

A new building for the Pointe Coupee Parish Health Unit on Durel Drive is completed.

1983

PCGH's Expansion Project begins which will add new areas for the Emergency Room, Radiology Department, 2nd floor nurse's station, and Central Supply Department. A new east parking lot in front of the hospital is also planned.

Two additional doctor's office buildings are added comprising the North Medical Complex. It will house four offices.

*December 1983*
As seen in our 1983 Management and Progress Report, construction has begun for the Expansion Project.

In the background on the left, one of the two newly completed doctor's office buildings (today known as the North Medical Complex) can be seen. Farther in the background on the right, the year-old Health Unit building and its porte-cochère are visible.

Source: Pointe Coupee General Hospital's archive.

1984

The residents of Pointe Coupee Parish pass a 1% sales tax which will be dedicated and used for capital improvements, maintenance, and operation of PCGH.

1985

PCGH completes their Expansion Project that includes a larger emergency room, 8-bed intensive care unit, sizable maintenance area, and much more.

A facility for providing substance abuse prevention and chemical wellness services is completed north of the North Medical Complex. Today it houses the Pointe Coupee Human Services Center.

October 1: The Pointe Coupee Health Services District № 1 was established.

*1985*
As seen from our 1985 Progress Notes, the Intensive Care Unit opened on January 14, 1985. Led by Supervisor Debbie Barnes and staffed by 11 ACLS-certified nurses, the unit will care for 31 patients in just over a month. Today, this area is known as "2-West".

Source: Pointe Coupee General Hospital's archive.

1987

The financial condition of PCGH deteriorates and the residents of Pointe Coupee Parish pass a 10-year ½% sales tax.

1996

PCGH begins erecting a 160-foot radio tower that will support multiple emergency communication systems such as two-way radios and HEAR (Hospital Emergency Administrative Radio) – a system specifically designated for hospitals to communicate with EMS units and other hospitals.

1997

With PCGH now in the black, board members agree to reduce the sales tax from ½% to ¼%. The residents of Pointe Coupee Parish once again pass the sales tax.

The Homebound Health building is completed, located west of the North Medical Complex. All Home Health services move from PCGH's third floor to this new location.

The Pointe Coupee Physical Therapy building on Hospital Road is completed and our Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy services move in.

1998

The internal medicine building is completed on the north-side of PCGH's campus. It sits in between the two existing doctor's office buildings that were constructed in 1983.

*2019*
Today, this group of buildings is known as the *North Medical Complex* .

Modern Era

2001

The Pointe Coupee Parish Health Services District № 1 is instrumental in the opening of the Innis Community Health Center, and Dr. Kellerman serves as the first physician in the clinic.

2004

PCGH was designated a critical access hospital by the federal government on November 1st with a license for 22 inpatient beds.

2005

PCGH begins using electronic health records in their Emergency Department.

2007

Pointe Coupee General Hospital unveils its new logo and brand identity. Our official colors are "False River Blue" and "Compassion Red".

See our press kit to learn more.

Our logo presents a clean, modern design that reflects both professionalism and community care. The name "Pointe Coupee" is displayed in bold, blue lettering, conveying trust and stability, with "GENERAL HOSPITAL" in a smaller, uppercase font beneath it for clarity and emphasis on our institution’s role.

A distinctive cross embedded in the dot above the letter "i" is a nod to the widely recognized medical cross, while flowing blue wavey lines above the "ee" reference our home on False River as well as the vitality, movement, and nurturing nature of healthcare. The sweeping red curve beneath the text adds a dynamic element, symbolizing forward momentum, energy, and compassionate service.

2015

The hospital completed a 17,000 ft² (1,580 m²) expansion with two new buildings, the Sisters of St. Joseph Medical Plaza and Hospital Laboratory & Storage Addition in October.

The Specialty Clinic № 1 (adjacent to Mosely Drive) opens. It houses specialty physicians who practice cardiology, orthopedy, urology, and more.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Medical Plaza opened on September 22, 2015, and it is the home for a few of Our Lady of the Lake physicians.

2017

The Emergency Department’s expansion from 8 to 14 beds and a renovated nursing station, triage room, and waiting area was completed in August. Additional areas are renovated to create a new outpatient registration department, Radiology office space, and Radiology waiting area.

*September 9, 2016*
Over the years we have expanded to include numerous facilities on our campus. We have also renovated and enhanced our originally 60-bed facility to meet the demands of the 21st century.

2019

A renovated courtyard is finished, located near the Sisters of St. Joseph Conference Room (AKA “the Chapel”). Stately brick columns, crepe myrtles, and landscape lighting are added to the hospital’s riverfront property.

Inpatient renovations are completed on the second floor which double the size of the patient rooms.

We celebrated our 50th anniversary!

2021

As part of its pandemic response, PCGH administers thousands of COVID-19 vaccines to its staff, the community, and the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office.

2024

The hospital completed an expansion with a new building, Medical Office Building № 2, in March.

Our rural health clinic, St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic, opens in December.

The Medical Office Building № 2 opened in March 2024, and it is the home for a few of Our Lady of the Lake physicians.