Hot Springs in Fall River County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Battle Mountain Sanitarium

National Home For Disabled Volunteer Soldiers

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 25, 2026

1. Battle Mountain Sanitarium NHL Marker

Inscription.

has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance as an outstanding representation of the development of a national system of medical and residential benefits for disabled volunteer veterans. Established in 1902 and opened in 1907, Battle Mountain Sanitarium is the only branch established as an independent medical facility. The innovative design signifies a commitment to high quality care, and instilling a sense of security, comfort and pride for veterans.

Erected 2011 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Patriots & Patriotism • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 43° 26.178′ N, 103° 28.742′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, South Dakota, in Fall River County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 North 5th Street, Hot Springs SD 57747, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West River.

It is also in the American Black Hills,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the

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prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hot Springs Centennial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Wood Jail (about 600 feet away); Sandstone Architecture of Hot Springs, SD (about 700 feet away); Evans Plunge Mineral Springs (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battle Mountain (approx. 0.4 miles away); A National Cemetery System (approx. 0.4 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lieut.-Col. Guy P. Squire (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Another marker is no longer nearby. An Old Jail (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. The Sanitarium is now the VA Black Hills Health Care System Hot Springs campus.

Regarding Battle Mountain Sanitarium. National Historic Landmark Draft Nomination Summary:

Battle

Battle Mountain Sanitarium Administration Building and NHL Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 25, 2026

2. Battle Mountain Sanitarium Administration Building and NHL Marker

Mountain Sanitarium is nationally significant under NHL Criterion 1 as a property that is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to our past; and NHL Theme IV, shaping the political landscape: governmental institutions, under the area of Health/Medicine. Battle Mountain Sanitarium is an outstanding representation of the development of a national system of medical and residential benefits for disabled veterans. The NHDVS was the first national system to provide such benefits to volunteer soldiers and, as such, is a precursor to the modern system of veterans’ benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Established in 1902 and opened in 1907, Battle Mountain Sanitarium was the only NHDVS branch to be established as an independent medical facility, rather than a facility designed primarily as a residential institution. Its establishment represented the Board of Managers acknowledgement of the need for specialized medical care for veterans. Battle Mountain Sanitarium utilized the waters from nearby mineral springs to treat musculoskeletal conditions; the high, dry atmosphere eased respiratory ills.

Battle Mountain Sanitarium Administration Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 25, 2026

3. Battle Mountain Sanitarium Administration Building

The primary complex features a prominent administration center connected to an innovative hospital complex that placed wards in rectangular spokes. The property also represents the goals of the NHDVS Board of Managers to create attractive, well designed institutions that would provide a dignified home for disabled veterans. The picturesque road layout and landscaping reflect the era’s appreciation for naturalistic settings.

Also see . . . Battle Mountain Sanitarium History. (Submitted on October 20, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Battle Mountain Sanitarium Ward Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 25, 2026

4. Battle Mountain Sanitarium Ward Building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.