Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center facts for kids
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Roanoke Veterans Administration Hospital Historic District
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HABS photograph of Building 6
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1970 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, Virginia |
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| Area | 206 acres (83 ha) |
| Built | c. 1934-1950 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Classical Revival |
| MPS | United States Second Generation Veterans Hospitals Multiple Property Submission (MPS) |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000609 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 4, 2012 |
The Salem Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is a special hospital in Salem, Virginia. It helps veterans, who are people who have served in the military. This hospital provides health care to veterans in a large area of Southwest Virginia, covering 26 counties. Besides the main hospital in Salem, there are also smaller clinics in other towns. These clinics are located in Danville, Lynchburg, Tazewell, Wytheville, and Staunton. They make it easier for veterans to get care closer to their homes.
History of the Hospital Buildings
The Roanoke Veterans Administration Hospital Historic District is a special area with many old buildings. It is recognized as a national historic district. This means the buildings and land are important because of their history. The district includes 34 main buildings, 2 important sites, 17 structures, and 1 object.
When the Hospital Was Built
Construction on the hospital, which was first called the Roanoke VA Hospital, began in 1934. More buildings were added over the years, with the last major additions completed by 1950. The Main Building, built in 1934, is the most important building in the district. It sits on a raised area overlooking the front lawn.
Important Buildings and Their Styles
Many other buildings were part of the original hospital. These include the Administration Building (1934), where the hospital was managed. There was also a Dining Hall and Attendants’ Quarters (1934), and a Recreation Building (1934) for patients to relax.
Some buildings were for specific types of care. For example, there was a Colored Patients’ Building (1934). There were also four Continued Treatment Buildings (built between 1938 and 1941) and a Neuropsychiatric Infirmary Building (1936).
The buildings were designed in popular styles of the time. These included the Colonial Revival and Classical Revival styles. These styles often feature grand columns and balanced designs. The historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This listing helps protect these important old buildings.
