The Optimistâs Daughter begins in New Orleans, Louisiana. The beginning of the novel takes place in a hospital in the bustling city during Marti Gras. After the Judge passes, the majority of the novel is set in Laurelâs childhood home, in her fatherâs hometown of Mount Salus, Mississippi.
The two largest hospitals in Huntington are St. Mary's Medical Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital. St. Mary's and Cabell-Huntington are jointly designated as the only trauma center in the region.
Hospitals and medical centers near Charleston: 1  BRADLEY HEALTH CARE AND REHAB (Nursing Home, about 10 miles away; CLEVELAND, TN) 2  FMC BRADLEY (Dialysis Facility, about 10 miles away; CLEVELAND, TN) 3  CLEVELAND CARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER (Nursing Home, about 10 miles away; CLEVELAND, TN)