Alvin C. York Medical Center

The Alvin C. York Veterans Administration Medical Center began in 1936 as a neuropsychiatric hospital on 602 acres north of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The following if a brief timeline:

1936: President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the construction of a neuropsychiatric hospital in the peaceful solitude of 602 acres in rural Murfreesboro on November 19, 1936.

1940: The hospital was activated January 1, 1940, with a bed capacity of 600 veterans and 351 employees. Living quarters were provided for resident nurses, attendants, and officials. The medical center produced a portion of its own vegetables, beef cattle and hogs.

1947: Hospital radio station WVAH inaugurated and programs were broadcast from the hospital.

1959: Building 107, which housed the gymnasium, movie theater, bowling alley and an interior pool was dedicated, along with a ball field.

1961: patients constructed the fountain in front of Building 107.

1981: New main entrance on Highway 231 opened.

1983: A 135-bed acute medical unit opened.

1985: The Murfreesboro VA Medical Center was renamed the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in honor of Sgt. Alvin C. York, Tennessee’s World War I hero. The facility was renovated and a new surgical and ambulatory care wing was added.

1989: To meet increasing needs of an aging veteran population, a 120-bed nursing home was added.

1999-2000: Murfreesboro’s veterans hospital became a part of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

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