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.

Forest Home Cemetery

Forest Home Cemetery, located adjacent to the Soldiers Home grounds, serves as the final resting place for thousands of Civil War veterans and continues the sacred mission of honoring those who served our nation.

Historic Connection

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery became the burial place for many veterans who lived at the Soldiers Home. The cemetery's Grand Army of the Republic section specifically honors Civil War veterans and their families.

Notable Burials

Forest Home Cemetery contains the graves of numerous distinguished veterans, military leaders, and civilians who contributed to Wisconsin's military heritage. The cemetery serves as a tangible connection to the state's Civil War history.

Memorial Monuments

The cemetery features several significant monuments commemorating military service, including memorials to specific regiments, battles, and individual acts of heroism during the Civil War and subsequent conflicts.

Decoration Day Traditions

Following the establishment of Decoration Day (Memorial Day) by General Order No. 11 in 1868, Forest Home Cemetery became a focal point for annual remembrance ceremonies attended by Soldiers Home residents and the broader community.

Ongoing Legacy

Today, Forest Home Cemetery continues to serve veterans and their families while maintaining its historic character and memorials. It stands as a complement to the living memorial represented by the Soldiers Home itself.

Research and Genealogy

The cemetery's records provide valuable resources for researchers and families seeking to trace the military service and final resting places of Wisconsin veterans from the Civil War through modern conflicts.