The Bath VA Medical Center began as a New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home. Initial funding for its creation was generated through a public appeal initiated by the Grand Army of the Republic in the 1870s. The first cornerstone was laid June 13, 1877, and the first member veterans sat down to a Christmas dinner in 1878. The state facility, which had a peak population of 2,143 in 1907, was turned over to the federal government in May of 1929 and in 1930 became part of the Veterans Administration. A Military & Medicine Museum containing artifacts dating back to 1776 is maintained on the grounds to honor the facility's long history. A National Cemetery with roots dating back to the Civil War is also located on the Medical Center Grounds. The Bath National Cemetery and its sister, the Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira remain open for burials today. The Bath VA Medical Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive quality healthcare services to veterans of the Finger Lakes Region and the Southern Tier of New York State. Primary and Secondary Services are provided in outpatient and inpatient settings. Inpatient care includes acute medicine as well as a 160 bed Nursing Home Care Unit and a 220 bed Domiciliary. Outpatient care centers around a primary care model supported by consultative specialist. The goal is to achieve excellence in the delivery of all services provided to our patients, employees, and the community. Localized services in Elmira and Wellsville provide timely and convenient quality health care for veterans across New York's Southern Tier. I found this information on the Bath website--hope it helps. Judy Neu Henrietta, NY