History of the North Dakota Veterans Home
»A longer history of North Dakota Veterans Home
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On February 27, 1891 at the end of the First Legislative Assembly of the State of North Dakota, Governor Andrew J. Burke signed into law and appropriated money for the erection of a Soldiers' Home. |
On August 14, 1891 a board of Commissioners purchased 90 acres of land in the Sheyenne River Valley known as the "Cramer Farm" adjacent to the city of Lisbon.
The original building was constructed of red nominee brick, native woods, and maple floors. The original building accommodated 50 soldiers. George Hutchings a soldier of the Civil war was the first soldier to enter on August 2, 1893.
Inside the Original Barracks
During the early days of the Soldiers' Home the soldiers were required to wear uniforms which were furnished by the Home. They consisted of a black hat, dark blue shirt and light blue trousers.
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In 1899 a hospital was built and provided medical care. In the late 1940's the hospital was closed and the Building became the Civilian Employee quarters. |
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In 1907 the Commandant's residence was erected from red nominee brick, Native wood and maple floors. Since its erection it has provided a home for 14 commandant's and their family. Presently the commandant's residence is on the list of the North Dakota Historical Society and the present administrator resides there. |
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The soldiers provided the labor on the farm, grounds, kitchen, laundry and housekeeping. The laws changed and the need for the farm no longer existed. At that time the Soldiers Home started to employ civilians. |
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The Thirtieth Session of the Legislative Assembly approved the erection and provided funds for a new barracks. This building was designed to accommodate 150 soldiers, wives, and widows. On June 7, 1950 Governor Fred G. Aandahl dedicated the new barracks. |
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The late 70's and early 1980's remodeling and construction was completed and conformed to all state and federal regulations. The new project increased capacity to 159. |
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The end of the 1980's and the early 1990's brought many new changes to the facility. A 38 bed skilled unit was added this provides long term medical care to Veterans, wives, and spouses. A four seasoned room "Gazebo" was added To this structure to provide a home like atmosphere And create room for activities. |
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The North Dakota Veteran Home has 2 distinct units. The 1950's and 2 floors of the 1980's is now the Basic Care unit and houses 111 veterans and or spouses. The North Dakota Veterans Home Skilled Unit houses 38 veterans and or spouses. |
