Part of Hot Springs' past...
A place in Hot Springs' future.

Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center is an area landmark dating back to 1886, when it was the Army and Navy General Hospital. The original building, the first permanent military hospital in the U.S., was torn down to permit construction of the present building which was completed in October 1933. The complex consists of 21 acres and 42 buildings.

On April 1, 1960, the property was deeded to the State of Arkansas for use as a rehabilitation facility. Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, one of the most comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the nation, admitted its first student on January 2, 1961. Since that time, services have been provided to more the 25,000 individuals with disabilities. The philosophy is simple: To assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities to achieve, to the greatest degree possible, a life of independence through education and employment.

A plaque in the hallway reads:

Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center
April 1, 1960 A.D.

Honorable Orval E. Faubus, Governor
State Board for Vocational Education

Marvin E. Bird, Chairman
Tom Cogbill
John Cole, M.D.
Perrin Jones
Allen Lynch
W.D. McKay
Rabie Rhodes
John Rye
Tom Whiteside

A.W. Ford, Executive Director
Don W. Russell, Director, Rehabilitation Service

Old Elevator