The hospital started as Camp Gordon Station Hospital in 1941, caring for World War II casualties and dependents. It was closed in 1946, but reopened as Camp Gordon became the more permanent Fort Gordon during the Cold War. The hospital's current building, opened for patients in 1976, replaced sprawling, outdated buildings from the World War II era. During the building's dedication a year prior its opening, it was dedicated in honor of former General of the Army and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who made his farewell address to the Army at Fort Gordon in 1961. President Eisenhower frequented nearby Augusta, Georgia and played golf at the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament.