What is the significance of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home?

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home is a National Historic Landmark District that represents one of the earliest federal commitments to long-term veteran care. It features significant architecture by Edward Townsend Mix and Henry C. Koch.

Can visitors tour the historic buildings?

Yes, self-guided walking tours are available through a free smartphone app, and guided tours are offered by the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance covering the history, architecture, and preservation stories.

What architectural styles are represented at the site?

The campus features Victorian Gothic (Old Main by Edward Townsend Mix), along with Italianate, Queen Anne, Shingle Style, and Colonial Revival buildings designed primarily by Henry C. Koch.

About Historic Milwaukee VA

Historic Milwaukee VA is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the remarkable story of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home - one of America's most significant and intact examples of 19th-century veteran care.

Our Mission

We preserve the architectural heritage, historical significance, and ongoing mission of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home National Historic Landmark District. Our work honors the thousands of veterans who called this place home, the visionary women and architects who created this haven, and the continuing sacred trust to care for those who have served our nation.

A Living National Historic Landmark

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011, the Milwaukee Soldiers Home is recognized as the most intact of the original Civil War-era soldiers' homes. Unlike static museums, our campus remains a living landmark where historic preservation and active veteran service are dynamically intertwined, bridging past, present, and future.

From Lincoln's Vision to Modern Reality

Established through President Abraham Lincoln's final legislation in March 1865, the Northwestern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers became reality through the remarkable partnership between federal vision and local compassion. Milwaukee women, through organizations like the West Side Soldiers' Aid Society, raised over $100,000 and transferred their assets to secure Milwaukee as one of the original three National Home sites.

Architectural Excellence

Our campus showcases distinguished architecture by Edward Townsend Mix (Old Main, 1868-1869) and Henry C. Koch (Hospital, Ward Memorial Theater, Chapel, Library, and other buildings, 1879-1895), all set within Thomas Budd Van Horn's therapeutic Picturesque landscape design. This unique integration of buildings and landscape created America's first "recuperative village" for veteran care.

Preservation Success Story

After decades of decline culminating in Old Main's dramatic roof collapse in 2010, a remarkable preservation effort led by the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance transformed six historic buildings into 101 units of supportive housing for homeless and at-risk veterans. This $44 million Phase 1 restoration (completed March 2021) earned the 2021 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award.

Current Restoration Projects

Phase 2 restoration ($25 million, 2025-2026) will rehabilitate three additional historic buildings:

Ward Memorial Theater: Community theater, concerts, and educational programming
Soldiers Home Chapel: Non-denominational worship and community events
Governor's Mansion: Supportive services offices and veteran training center

Partnership Network

Our work succeeds through collaborative partnerships with:

Milwaukee Preservation Alliance: Advocacy, education, and tours
The Alexander Company: Historic rehabilitation development
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee: Veteran housing services
Center for Veterans Issues: Supportive services coordination
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: Modern healthcare services
National Trust for Historic Preservation: National advocacy and recognition
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority: Financing and development

Educational Outreach

We offer multiple ways to experience and learn about this National Historic Landmark:

Free guided walking tours by the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
Self-guided smartphone app tours providing detailed historical information
Educational programs for schools and community groups
Research resources for scholars and genealogists
Special events connecting past and present

Continuing the Sacred Trust

Today, the Milwaukee Soldiers Home fulfills its original mission in new ways. The restored historic buildings provide housing and services for contemporary veterans experiencing homelessness, while the modern Zablocki VA Medical Center delivers comprehensive healthcare. Together, they embody President Lincoln's charge "to care for him who shall have borne the battle."

Get Involved

Join us in preserving this National Historic Landmark and supporting veterans:

Take a tour: Experience the history and architecture firsthand
Volunteer: Support educational programs and special events
Donate: Contribute to ongoing preservation and programming efforts
Share: Help spread awareness of this remarkable place and its mission

Location and Access

The Historic Milwaukee Soldiers Home is located on the grounds of the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

We are committed to making our programs accessible to all visitors. Please contact us to discuss any specific accessibility needs or accommodations.