More than 4 million Veterans return from active military careers to reside in rural communities. At VA, we work to meet these Veterans where they live, and promote the opportunities to find happy homes in these rural communities around the country.
Like the Veterans you’ll serve when you join our team, these rural communities are as diverse and exciting as you can imagine. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, or just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you.
Today, we’ll visit a region steeped in history and explore the Chillicothe VA Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.
History of Chillicothe VA Medical Center
As the United States entered World War I, Chillicothe, Ohio, was selected as the site for a military training camp, preparing soldiers from Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The site, Camp Sherman, became the third largest training center in the United States at that time.
Following the war, Camp Sherman’s hospital cared for returning injured Veterans, leading it to be selected as the location for a permanent Veterans hospital, a facility which would become part of the newly formed VA in the 1930s.
Development at Chillicothe VA continued for decades. In addition to modernizing the hospital facilities, features were added to the campus that would have a lasting impact for local Veterans and the surrounding community:
- In 1955, a baseball stadium was completed, and was dedicated on Hospital Day, an annual community celebration.
- In 1960, a gymnasium designed to “meet the specialized needs of neuro-psychiatric patients” was completed and is still used by patients and employees today.
- Also in 1960, a 9-hole, par-36 golf course was opened, and is currently managed by the South-Central Ohio Homeless Veterans Committee.
- In 1963, the All Faiths Chapel was dedicated, and in 1995, the chapel was renamed in honor of Father Joseph E. Quinlan, who dedicated 54 years of his life ministering to the spiritual needs of others, with over 35 of those years being spent at the Chillicothe VA.
Chillicothe, Ohio
While Native Americans lived on the land that would become Chillicothe for generations, the groundwork for the modern community was established when, in 1796, Nathaniel Massie of Virginia laid out the town on the Scioto River, promising free plots to the first 100 settlers.
For many years, Chillicothe was the center of political life in the Northwest Territory and later Ohio, serving as capital of both. While the state capital was ultimately moved to Columbus, the region continued to grow, in no small part thanks to the development of Camp Sherman.
The soldiers stationed at Camp Sherman more than tripled the region’s population, and the economic capital brought in by the camp helped grow and strengthen Chillicothe’s economy, bringing theatres, restaurants, taverns, and more.
Despite setbacks, Chillicothe and the surrounding region continue to thrive. Old industries such as papermaking are still an important part of the economy but have been joined by newer endeavors like truck manufacturing, medical services, hospitality, and more.
Today, the region bills itself as the premier southern Ohio destination of historical sites, great outdoors, and hospitality. Dozens of festivals and events throughout the year are complemented by accessibility to 5 state parks, 1 national park, and over 200 miles of outdoor trails, offering something for everyone with family-friendly activities and explorations of history.
Jobs in the VA Chillicothe Healthcare System
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center sits at the heart of VA Chillicothe Healthcare System. The facility provides local Veterans with outstanding care and conducts important medical research. Chillicothe VAMC is also a teaching hospital offering clinical rotations in medical, dental, and mental health specialties.
The facility sponsors a psychology clinical internship and residencies in hospital pharmacy, psychiatric pharmacy, physician assistant mental health, and optometry. Chillicothe VAMC also trains medical and dental residents and students, associated health students, and nursing students.
See what positions are available at this location.
Work at VA
Find a community that’s right for you, and help us promote the health and well-being of rural Veterans with a career at VA.
- LEARN more about our work with rural Veterans.
- EXPLORE the benefits of working at VA.
- SEARCH for your new career.
