Milwaukee Preservation Alliance

In addition to its national historical significance, the Milwaukee Soldiers Home's cultural and social importance to Wisconsin and Milwaukee has been and continues to be substantial.

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home National Historic Landmark District is an invaluable historic asset to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the nation. Established just after the Civil War, this 90-plus acre district rests on the grounds of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and represents Milwaukee’s role in furthering veteran care in America. One of only 41 National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin, it is the most intact Soldiers Home in the country and the only one with the majority of its surrounding recuperative village remaining.

In addition to its national historical significance and importance to veterans, the Milwaukee Soldiers Home’s cultural and social importance to Wisconsin and Milwaukee has been and continues to be substantial. Any Milwaukeean fondly knows by sight and memory the "castle" building they can see from the freeway - Old Main. The building towers over the site, providing a landmark to the thousands of fans who walk through the grounds every year on their way to Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

In generations past, the home and its park-like grounds were used by thousands of citizens as a site for recreation and entertainment before the county park system was established. A railroad spur carried patrons to the District's Ward Memorial Hall, better known as the Ward Theater, is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and was known for performances by nationally known entertainers. An annual event in June continues the tradition of honoring veterans' sacrifices and bringing the public to the Historic District.  Each year, thousands come to see Civil War re-enactors and re-enactors of other eras, from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. The event features tours of the Soldiers Home buildings, music, historical speeches and programs, a Civil War era fashion show and a cemetery-by-lantern tour.

The Soldiers Home is also an important education center in the community, hosting school groups that come to tour and learn about the history of America’s conflicts, American society’s commitment to returning soldiers and American veterans’ contributions to our culture and society.
Wood National Cemetery has been and continues to be the site for Memorial Day ceremonies, attended by thousands of Milwaukee area residents each year.

The Wadsworth Library built in 1891.  At one point the library, which served those living at the home, had as many as 23,000 books.   The Wadsworth Library continues to serve patients of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.

Designed by Milwaukee Architect Henry Koch and funded solely with veterans’ donations, the Soldiers Home Chapel opened in 1889 as a multi-denominational place of worship.  The Soldier’s Home Foundation is working toward the restoration and rebirth this spiritual center of the district.  Adjacent to Wood National Cemetery, the Home Chapel has special meaning for veterans and the community. From the beginning the Home Chapel has been a place of prayer, refuge, and true patriotism and has stood as silent sentry over the fallen.

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