New Montco Historical Marker To Honor Pioneering Doctor

SCHWENKSVILLE, PA — A new hisotrical marker in Montgomery County will honor a world famous physician whose revolutionary techniques were fundamental to forming endoscopic surgery.

Dr. Chevalier Quixote Jackson, known as the "father of endoscopy," will be honored with the market at Sunrise Mill, a 220-acre site on Swamp Creek in Schwenksville where he lived.

"(Jackson) was also a strong public health advocate, successfully campaigning the U.S. Congress to pass a law requiring poisonous household products be labeled as a swallowing hazard," the county said. "He purchased Sunrise Mill in 1918 and lived there for 40 years as a healthful retreat from city life."

Sunrise Mill was founded in 1767 and a gristmill, sawmill, house, barn, and stone arch bridge from that period remain ont he property today. The county bought the land in 1971.

The site is not yet open to the public, but will be in the future.