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.

Lydia Ely Hewitt - Pioneer of Veteran Advocacy

Lydia Ely Hewitt stands as one of the founding mothers of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, whose dedication and leadership in the West Side Soldiers' Aid Society was instrumental in establishing this National Historic Landmark.

Early Leadership

As a leader of the West Side Soldiers' Aid Society, formed during the Civil War, Hewitt worked alongside other dedicated women such as Hannah Vedder and Mrs. E. L. Buttrick to provide essential services to returning soldiers.

The Soldiers' Home Fair

Hewitt played a crucial role in organizing the spectacular Soldiers' Home Fair held in Milwaukee in June 1865. This remarkable event raised over $100,000 - a considerable sum for the period - specifically to fund a permanent care facility for Wisconsin's veterans.

Strategic Vision

When the federal government began establishing its national system of soldiers' homes, Hewitt and her colleagues made the pivotal decision to transfer their substantial assets to the national effort, securing Milwaukee as one of the original National Home sites.

Early Feminism

Hewitt's work represented a powerful form of civic engagement and an early expression of feminist activism in addressing critical societal needs. Her efforts demonstrated women's capability in large-scale organizational and financial management.

Lasting Legacy

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home exists today because of the foresight, dedication, and organizational prowess of Lydia Ely Hewitt and her fellow advocates. Their partnership with federal authorities created a model for veteran care that endures to this day.