This research guide provides information about Dr. William C. Gorgas and links to primary and secondary sources. External resources are also included to facilitate access for new researchers.
Dr. William Crawford Gorgas was born October 3, 1854 in Toulminville, AL. He served in the US Army (1880–1918) as a physician and the 22nd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army (1914–1918). Dr. Gorgas was assigned to Fort Brown in 1882 at the height of a yellow fever (also known as "yellow jack") epidemic, in Brownsville and Matamoros. While stationed at Fort Brown and attending to patients and burials, Dr. Gorgas contracted the disease, which he suspected was the result of a mosquito-borne illness made worse by poor sanitation conditions. Gorgas Hall on the TSC campus is named for him.
Dr. Gorgas put his theories to the test against outbreaks of yellow fever and malaria in Florida, Cuba, and at the Panama Canal. Dr. Gorgas implemented the draining of nearby ponds and swamps, using mosquito netting, fumigating against insects, and quarantining infected patients. His work in tropical medicine saved countless lives from deadly disease. Dr. Gorgas was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Victory Medal, and Public Welfare Medal. He was also awarded Honorary Knight Commander of Michael and George by England's King George V.
For video images of Dr. Gorgas documenting his work to eradicate yellow fever view The story of the Panama Canal (below) and go to minute 07:22.
William Crawford Gorgas, his life and work by 
William C. Gorgas : yellow fever conqueror by 
William Crawford Gorgas, warrior in white by 
Studies in Rio Grande Valley history by 
Explore the links below:
Maximize your time and effort. Let our staff assist you with finding and accessing resources online.
We also invite you to schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a member of our Special Collections & Archives staff. Schedule an on-campus research visit or choose to meet online (video chat).