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 special place in Dayton, Ohio. It helps soldiers who have served our country. It opened way back in 1867, making it one of the oldest places like it in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. When it first started, it was called the Central Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. A big part of its campus, along with the nearby Dayton National Cemetery, was named a National Historic Landmark District in 2012. This shows how important it has been for helping veterans throughout history.
Contents
What's on the Campus?
The Dayton VA campus is located on the west side of Dayton. It's a very large area with many buildings. Most of these buildings were built between 1930 and 1960. They were made to help the VA do its job in many ways.
These buildings include offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities. There are also housing complexes for veterans. Some of these homes are still used today. The campus also has beautiful landscaped grounds. A few buildings from its very first days are still standing.
A Look Back: The History of the VA Center
How It All Started
In 1866, the United States Congress created the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS). This group was the first version of what we now call the VA. Its goal was to provide medical care and other help for veterans of the American Civil War.
Three main centers were set up in the years that followed. One was the Eastern branch in Togus, Maine. Another was the Central Branch in Dayton, Ohio. The third was the Northwestern Branch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dayton's Special Role
The Dayton facility was very important. It was the main office for the entire NHDVS. It also served as the chief supply center. In its early days, the campus had beautiful gardens, a greenhouse, and even a small zoo! These were popular attractions for local visitors. They also helped veterans feel better and recover.
Becoming the VA
In 1930, the NHDVS joined with other groups to form the Veterans Administration, or VA. Over the next 20 years, the Dayton facilities got a big upgrade. They were expanded and made more modern.
More improvements happened in the 1980s and 1990s. The most noticeable change was the building of the Inpatient Tower. This new medical complex now stands out on the western part of the campus.
A National Treasure
A part of the complex, including the nearby cemetery (which also started in 1867), was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This recognized its importance to local and state history. Then, in 2012, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This honor shows its national importance in helping 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
