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.

A Sacred Trust: The Enduring Legacy of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home stands as a profound testament to America's evolving commitment to its military veterans. This National Historic Landmark District represents more than 150 years of dedicated service to those who have served our nation.

Lincoln's Vision Realized

On March 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the act creating a national system of homes for disabled volunteer soldiers. This legislation, one of the last he would enact before his assassination, established a federal commitment to veteran care that continues today.

A Partnership of Vision

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home emerged through the remarkable partnership between federal vision and local compassion. Milwaukee women, led by organizations like the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home Association and the West Side Soldiers' Aid Society, raised over $100,000 through the Soldiers' Home Fair in June 1865.

Architectural Legacy

The campus features distinguished architecture by Edward Townsend Mix and Henry C. Koch, set within Thomas Budd Van Horn's therapeutic landscape design. The iconic Old Main, completed in 1869, remains a symbol of Victorian Gothic grandeur and the nation's commitment to veteran care.