Soldiers' Home

The Soldiers' Home in Chicago is a Civil War-era building featuring Italianate architectural elements that originally served wounded soldiers and later disabled veterans. The structure is organized around a central light well with multiple sections designed to accommodate medical care, living quarters, and administrative functions.

Construction began in 1864 as a hospital for wounded Civil War soldiers and continued through 1923 as the facility expanded to meet changing needs. The building transitioned from acute medical care for combat injuries to long-term residential care for aging and disabled veterans over the decades.

The name reflects its original purpose, shaped by two women who transformed their nursing experiences into a place of care and refuge. Visitors can see how the spaces were designed to serve soldiers' needs and represent a long tradition of supporting those who served.

The building now serves as the Cardinal Meyer Center with administrative offices occupying the space, though some areas remain accessible for tours under certain conditions. Prospective visitors should check ahead since current operations may limit general access, but guided visits can often be arranged with the right organization.

The building received landmark status in 1996 and remains one of the few structures in Chicago with direct ties to the Civil War era. This official recognition highlights its importance to the city's historical record and memory of those who served.