Welcome to the first installment of our series discussing the Sisters of the Holy Cross and their 146-year legacy of serving Park City. Yes, you read that correctly — 146 years. The Order arrived in the Utah Territory in 1875, and Park City three years later. This first chapter discusses their humble beginnings, mission, military service and assignment to the Great Basin Kingdom. Our story begins in 1841, when The Order of Religious Sisters was established in LeMans France. From their inception, the organization served those in need. Faith, hope and kindness comprised their core values. Additionally, they demonstrated a penchant for fundraising. Serving the underserved required churches, schools and hospitals, and building them required capital. In 1842, Father Sorin and seven brothers established a Catholic enclave on 524 acres in Indiana at the “south bend” of the St. Joseph River. There they established The University of Notre Dame the same year. While their accomplishments were impressive, there was so much more to do. The Brothers needed help. Church leadership agreed. In 1843, they dispatched an advance guard of sisters to the town of South Bend. Father Sorin was named director general of the American Sisters of the Holy Cross. Their charter and competencies found a receptive audience. Unbeknownst to the new arrivals, a most challenging scenario loomed over the horizon. During the Civil War, military hospitals were barely distinguishable from slaughterhouses. Those requiring medical attention frequently received a death sentence. The situation was dire. In desperation, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant inquired if the sisters could serve as Navy nurses. They accepted, but with stipulations. Hospitals and staff would adhere to their strict hygienic protocols. All delivered to their jurisdiction would receive the same level of care, no exceptions tolerated — including race, gender, political persuasions, and/or religious affiliations. Grant accepted their terms. The sisters were initially assigned to the Union hospital in Cairo, Illinois. It was the dawn of modern medicine. Their impact was immediate and miraculous. Some would credit divine intervention. Mortality rates plummeted. The evil twins of disease and infection were tamed. Morale increased. For those fortunate enough to experience their care, the sisters were considered angels of mercy. It was not the first time that such impressions were expressed, nor would it be the last. Duly impressed, Grant deployed these wonder women to 15 other hospitals. Their standardized approach to hygiene and medical treatment, combined with inspirational bedside demeanor, delivered consistent, winning results. Their reputation permeated the military, medical profession and Catholic Church.  April 1865 witnessed the conclusion of the deadliest conflict in American history. The Sisters of the Holy Cross had humbly served their country with distinction. New frontiers and callings awaited. Our next chapter discusses the sisters’ arrival in the Utah Territory and Park City. The Park City Museum is hosting a lecture titled “Sisters of the Holy Cross Part 2” by David Nicholas and Stuart Stanek on Wednesday, July 15, from 5-6 p.m. at the Education and Collections Center, 2079 Sidewinder Drive. Part 1 occurred on Nov. 12, 2025. David Nicholas is a Park City Museum researcher. The post Way We Were: The birth of modern medical care appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less