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

Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home

1864-1867

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 2, 2014

1. Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Marker

Inscription. In April 1864, women of the former West Side Soldiers’ Aid Society opened a temporary Civil War Soldiers’ Home at this location. By May 1867, the home’s Lady Managers had welcomed 21,550 Union soldiers, given medical care to over 1,000, and provided 150,167 free meals. Although the women had received a state charter for a permanent Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home and had raised over $100,000 at their Soldiers’ Home Fair, they were persuaded to donate their assets to the federal government for the Northwest Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Milwaukee. When the veterans living at this home were transferred to the grounds of what is now the Zablocki VA Medical Center, the women were comforted that they had in some small way advanced the well-being and happiness of Wisconsin’s battle-scarred heroes.

Erected 2014 by West Side Soldiers’ Aid Society Inc. and Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 553.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1864.

Location. 43° 2.362′ N, 87° 54.715′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee

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, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Westown. Marker is on North Plankinton Avenue, 0.1 miles north of West Wisconsin Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 731 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee WI 53203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Milwaukee (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee's Bridge War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Milwaukee's Miraculous Mallard (about 400 feet away); Nearly a Century of Planning (about 500 feet away); Architectural Gems on the Riverfront (about 500 feet away); Gertie (about 500 feet away); Oneida Street Station (about 500 feet away); Oneida Street Power Plant (about 600 feet 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 related to the soldiers' home.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 2, 2014

2. Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Marker

back side of marker (same text)

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 2, 2014

3. Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Marker

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 2, 2014

4. Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Marker

Looking north along North Plankinton Avenue.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 2, 2014

5. Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Marker

Looking south along N. Plankinton Ave.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 730 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on September 24, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 3, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • William J. Toman was the editor who published this page.