Cave Creek Tubercular Cabin

Today, much of the world is fortunate to have sufficient sanitation and methods of treatment to prevent widespread tuberculosis (TB). In the early 20th century, however, this was not the case, and the disease was much more poorly understood and a massive issue. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, TB patients (known as "lungers") would often seek treatment at sanatoria in places with healthier air. Arizona was especially considered an ideal place because of its warm and dry climate. Several were located in the then-sparsely populated Cave Creek area alone.

With thousands of patients coming to the state, the sanatoria were overloaded with many being forced to stay in tents. Better-equipped sanatoria had proper TB cabins or huts in which "lungers" lived. This particular example from Cave Creek was at the Desmount Sanatarium, which operated during the 1920s and 30s. Most of these structures did not survive long. This one did because it was used for various other purposes afterwards, including housing for construction workers of nearby dams. Finally, in 1990 it was restored moved to its present location at the Cave Creek Museum. Recognized as the last tubercular cabin in Arizona, it was also named to the National Register of Historic Places.