When was the Milwaukee Soldiers Home established?

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home was established in 1867 as the Northwestern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, following legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.

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.

Soldiers Home Chapel

The Soldiers Home Chapel, completed in 1889 under the design of Henry C. Koch, provided spiritual comfort and community gathering space for veterans of all faiths throughout the Home's history.

Architectural Design

Built primarily in the Shingle Style with Queen Anne influences, the Chapel exemplifies late 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture. Koch's design created a welcoming, non-denominational space that could serve veterans of various religious backgrounds.

Spiritual Community

The Chapel served as more than just a place of worship. It hosted memorial services, weddings, community meetings, and special ceremonies that marked important moments in the lives of the veteran residents and their families.

Multi-Faith Mission

Designed to accommodate multiple denominations, the Chapel reflected the diverse religious backgrounds of the Civil War veterans who called the Soldiers Home their residence. This inclusive approach was progressive for its time.

Current Restoration

As part of the ongoing Phase 2 restoration project, the Chapel is being carefully rehabilitated to serve once again as a non-denominational worship space and community gathering venue, continuing its mission of providing spiritual support to veterans.