Welcome to the Mayo Building, a cornerstone of the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The story of this iconic building is deeply intertwined with the history of modern medicine and the pioneering spirit of the Mayo family. Founded by Dr. William Worrall Mayo and his sons, Will and Charlie, the Mayo Clinic has grown from a humble medical practice in the 1860s to a world-leading medical institution.
The Mayo Building stands as a testament to the innovative spirit that has long driven the clinic’s success. The journey began when Dr. W.W. Mayo settled in Rochester in 1864, where he opened a medical practice that would later evolve into the collaborative model of healthcare that the clinic is famous for today.
One of the pivotal moments in this story occurred in 1883, when a devastating tornado struck Rochester. In the aftermath, Dr. Mayo, along with the Sisters of Saint Francis, provided care to the injured, leading to the establishment of St. Marys Hospital in 1889. This partnership laid the foundation for the Mayo Clinic’s integrated approach to healthcare.
The Mayo Building itself was part of a broader expansion that included the construction of the Plummer Building in 1928, which became a symbol of the clinic’s commitment to excellence. Designed by Dr. Henry Plummer, this building introduced many systems and procedures still in use today, such as the medical record system.
Over the years, the Mayo Clinic has attracted notable figures from around the world, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited in recognition of the clinic’s contributions to healthcare. The clinic’s commitment to patient-centered care has made it a beacon of medical innovation and excellence.
As you explore the Mayo Building today, you are walking through a living history of medical progress and the enduring legacy of the Mayo family.
