Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital
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Barracks at the Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital from the southeast
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2872 5th Avenue, Marina, California |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1941 |
| Architect | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Office of the Quartermaster General |
| Architectural style | World War II Mobilization Series 700 |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000305 |
| Added to NRHP | June 17, 2014 |
The Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital is a unique historical site located in Marina, California. It was built in 1941 to serve as a hospital for horses and mules used by the United States Army. At the time, many people still believed that horses would be very important in World War II for carrying supplies and soldiers.
However, technology changed quickly. By 1942, the army decided that horses were no longer needed for fighting. The hospital then changed its purpose. Today, this complex is special because it's one of the last army horse hospitals ever built. It shows a time when horses were a big part of warfare. In 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Why Horses Were Important for the Army
For thousands of years, horses were crucial in wars. They helped soldiers move quickly and carry heavy equipment. Before modern vehicles, horses were like the army's trucks and tanks. They were used for cavalry (soldiers on horseback), pulling cannons, and carrying supplies.
Horses in the Early 20th Century
Even in the early 1900s, horses were still very important. During World War I, armies used millions of horses and mules. They pulled wagons, ambulances, and artillery guns. Many people thought this would continue into future wars.
The Need for Veterinary Care
When an army relied on horses, it also needed places to care for them. Just like soldiers get injured, horses could get sick or hurt. Veterinary hospitals were essential to keep the animals healthy. This helped the army stay strong and ready.
Building the Fort Ord Hospital
The Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital was built in 1941. This was just before the United States officially entered World War II. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed it. They followed a specific plan called the "World War II Mobilization Series 700." This plan was used for many army buildings during that time.
What the Hospital Included
The hospital complex was quite large. It covered about 1.8 acres (0.73 hectares). It had 16 different buildings. These buildings included places for horses to stay, treatment rooms, and barracks for the soldiers who worked there. It was a complete facility designed to handle many animals.
The End of Horse Warfare
The idea that horses would be vital in World War II changed very quickly. New technologies like tanks, trucks, and airplanes became much more powerful. They could move faster and carry more than horses.
Horses Replaced by Machines
By 1942, just one year after the hospital was built, the U.S. Army stopped using horses for combat. This was a huge shift in military history. It meant the end of an era that had lasted for centuries. The Fort Ord hospital, built for horses, suddenly had a different future.
Hospital's New Purpose
Since horses were no longer needed, the Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital was converted. It was used for other army purposes. This shows how quickly the military adapted to new ways of fighting. The hospital became a symbol of this rapid change.
The Hospital Today
Today, the Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital is no longer an active military hospital. However, it still stands as an important historical site. It reminds us of a time when horses played a different role in our world.
Marina Equestrian Center
Five of the original buildings are now managed by the city of Marina. They are part of the Marina Equestrian Center. This center provides a place for people to enjoy horses today. It's a great example of how old buildings can find new life.
Vacant Barracks
One of the former barracks buildings is currently empty. It is owned by the Marina Coast Water District. This building is also part of the historic complex.
National Historic Landmark
In 2014, the Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital was recognized for its importance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place that helps tell the story of our country's past. It represents the very last years of horse-dependent warfare in the U.S. Army.
