Up until 1851, the pioneers of Delaware County has managed to provide for themselves. The mere thought of public assistance would have been an insult to their families. However, an infirmary was eventually needed due to the rapid growth of the county. In 1854, 113 1/2 acres were purchased from Joseph Blair. The land was undesirable, being totally covered by water, swamps, and forests. Despite that, it proved to be of excellent quality for farming once cleared and properly drained. After the land was secured in 1854, the construction of this building began that same year.