King in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Grand Army Home

Photographed by Keith L, September 6, 2007

1. Grand Army Home Marker

Inscription. The Grand Army Home was established in 1887 by the Wisconsin Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, a nationwide organization of Union veterans of the Civil War (1861-1865). The Home provided care for indigent veterans and their wives in a pleasant community setting. The city of Waupaca donated seventy-eight acres along scenic Rainbow Lake to the veterans, and the local branch of the Women's Relief Corps (an auxiliary of the G.A.R.) constructed several cottages on the site. This was the first veterans' home in the nation to allow women to become members. Dr. Frederick A. Marden, a G.A.R. member from Milwaukee, originated the concept of a co-educational veterans' retirement community. He also devised the Home's cottage plan. Marden believed that elderly soldiers and their wives were owed a debt of gratitude for their service to the imperiled Union and that they would find contentment in the modest cottages and tree-shaded lanes at King.

Erected 1988 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 283.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings •

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War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the The Grand Army of the Republic, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 44° 20.285′ N, 89° 8.726′ W. Marker is in King, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. It is at the intersection of Bell Avenue and Wright Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Bell Avenue. Marker is on the grounds of the Wisconsin Veterans Home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: N2665 County Road QQ, King WI 54946, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In Memory Of The Grand Army Of The Republic (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Charles King (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waupaca County War Memorial

Photographed by Keith L, September 6, 2007

2. Grand Army Home Marker

(approx. 3.3 miles away); Hellestad House (approx. 3½ miles away); Old Coach Road (approx. 3.6 miles away); Windfeldt Estate (approx. 4 miles away); Jorgens Park Preserve / A Tribute (approx. 9 miles away); Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer (approx. 9½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in King.

Other markers no longer nearby. Lake with a Secret (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Fish Raceway (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Nearby Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, September 6, 2007

3. Nearby Plaque

Memorial Day Order
General Orders, No. 11.
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic,
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,958 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.