Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center facts for kids
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National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Central Branch
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A four-unit residence building at the center (undated HABS photo)
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4100 W. 3rd St., Dayton, Ohio |
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| Area | 578.87 acres (234.26 ha) (size in 1930) 266 acres (108 ha) (landmark-designated area) |
| Built | 1867 |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001412 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 15, 2004 |
| Designated NHLD | October 16, 2012 |
The Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a very important place in Dayton, Ohio. It's located at 4100 West 3rd Street. This center was started way back in 1867. It is one of the oldest places that helps military veterans in the United States.
When it first opened, it was called the Central Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. A part of its campus, along with the nearby Dayton National Cemetery, was named a National Historic Landmark District in 2012. This means it's a very special place in American history. It played a big role in how the country cared for its veterans.
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Exploring the Campus
The Dayton VA campus is on the west side of Dayton. It's next to the Dayton National Cemetery to the north. South Gettysburg Avenue is on its east side. United States Route 35 is to the south, and Liscum Drive is to the west.
This huge property has many buildings. Most of them were built between 1930 and 1960. They were made to help veterans in different ways. There are offices, hospitals, and other medical buildings. Some buildings were homes for veterans. A few of these old buildings are still used today. The campus also has beautiful landscaped areas.
A Long History of Helping Veterans
How It All Started
In 1866, the United States Congress decided to create special homes for soldiers. These homes were for veterans who were hurt or sick after the American Civil War. This organization was called the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS). It was the first step toward what we now know as the VA.
Three main centers were built in the years that followed. One was in Togus, Maine. Another was the Northwestern Branch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The third, and most important for managing things, was the Central Branch in Dayton.
A Special Place for Healing
The Dayton facility was the main office for the NHDVS. It was also where many supplies were kept. In its early days, the campus had lovely gardens. It even had a conservatory (a type of greenhouse) and a small zoo. These were popular places for local people to visit. They also helped the veterans living there feel better.
In 1930, the NHDVS joined with other groups. Together, they formed the Veterans Administration, or VA. Over the next 20 years, the Dayton facilities were greatly updated. More buildings were added, and they became more modern. In the 1980s and 1990s, the campus grew even more. A large Inpatient Tower and medical complex were built. These new buildings are now a major part of the campus.
A National Treasure
A part of this complex, including the nearby cemetery, is very important. Both were started in 1867. In 2004, this area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognized its importance to local and state history. Then, in 2012, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This honor shows its huge importance to the entire country. It highlights its role in caring for veterans.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Ohio
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Dayton, Ohio
- List of Veterans Affairs medical facilities
