Veterans Affairs in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Erastus B. Wolcott, M.D

(1804 – 1880)

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 12, 2012

1. Erastus B. Wolcott, M.D Marker

Inscription. Dr. Erastus B. Wolcott was an originator of the idea for a national soldier’s home in Milwaukee.

A spirited leader in medicine, business and government, he was state surgeon-general during the Civil War and an ardent advocate for what is now the Veterans Administration Hospital at Wood. The hospital was established in 1867 and Dr. Wolcott was appointed by Congress to the national governing board.

Dr. Wolcott was a founder of the State Medical Society in 1841 and the Medical Society of Milwaukee County in 1846. He made surgical history in 1861 as the first physician to remove a diseased kidney.

In 1869 he married Dr. Laura J. Ross, the first woman admitted to a medical society in Wisconsin and one of the first three American women physicians.

Erected 1972 by Charitable, Educational and Scientific Foundation of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 182.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 43° 1.432′ N, 87° 58.532′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee

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County. It is in Veterans Affairs. Marker is on General Mitchell Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Marker located on the grounds of the Veterans Adminstration Hospital in Milwaukee at the intersection of Hines Blvd and General Mitchell Blvd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milwaukee WI 53214, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Volunteer-'98 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (approx. 0.2 miles away); National Soldiers Home (approx. ¼ mile away); "Mr. Baseball" (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robin Yount (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Honor of the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers of the American League (approx. 0.4 miles away); Henry Aaron (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers regarding the soldiers' home.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 12, 2012

2. Erastus B. Wolcott, M.D Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,750 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on September 24, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • William J. Toman was the editor who published this page.