The Cloudcroft Baby Sanatorium opened on June 14, 1911, under Dr. Herbert Stevenson of El Paso, Texas, to care for infants and toddlers who were ill, dehydrated, or otherwise not thriving in their homes. Established in Cloudcroft to take advantage of the dry atmosphere and cooler temperatures, it was funded primarily by donations from wealthy El Paso residents and was intended to provide intensive direct care until each child reached a healthy, stable condition and could be returned to the family. Operating during the summer months each year until 1934, it began with only 12 cribs and treated more than 500 children with great success during its 24 years in operation. Funding for continued operation became impossible because of the effects of the Great Depression, and the institution closed.