1919 Veterans' health care in Atlanta began with the federal government's purchase of the Cheston W. King Hospital on 22 acres near Oglethorpe University in Northeast Atlanta. Later, the facility became known as "Old 48."

1946 Emory and VA doctors teamed up to treat vets returning from World War II at the 750-bed Lawson Veterans Administration Hospital. When that facility was deactivated, "Old 48" on Peachtree Road reopened.	1966 The first patients - veterans from the deactivated Old 48 - were admitted to the VA's new 465,000-square-foot hospital, located on Clairmont Road on 25 acres that were formerly part of the Emory campus. Emory doctors provided the majority of care at the new facility.

1982 A 120-bed nursing home care unit opened at the VAMC, along with ambulatory care and dental clinics.

1987 A new facility to house the Rehabilitation Research Center was completed. Eight years later, the VAMC hosted the national Wheelchair Games.

1992 A bridge over Candler Lake (as shown in this 1958 photo) physically joined the VA and Emory, but was removed after a wandering patient fell off and drowned.

1994 A new clinical structure added 311,000 square feet to the existing medical center.

2000 A three-phase clinical addition provided a learning center, new parking deck, and outpatient surgical, orthopedic, and ophthalmology clinics.

2001 The Emory Healthcare/VA Community Health Clinic opened in Cobb County as the first of a number of community clinics that will make it easier for veterans to access VAMC health care.

2001 The Atlanta VAMC ranked 11 out of 105 nationally in research dollars received ($16 million). The Atlanta VA was named one of 21 new geriatric research, education, and clinical centers in the United States.     From the Director  /  Letters On the front lines of health care Half century of cooperation (photos) Research: The VA's secret weapon Designer medicine Moving Forward  /  Noteworthy Unfinished business: The prospects for health care reform in the 107th Congress Looking for greener pastures