It took nearly 60 years to complete the building of the Soldiers Home, as new additions were set in place from its inception in 1864, through 1923. Located on East 35th Street, the veterans' home is the last surviving structure in the Chicago area directly connected to the American Civil War. During the war it served as a hospital for recovering Union soldiers, and later it was used as a home for those disabled after combat.
The main section of the building was designed by William W. Boyington, who went on to design the Old Water Tower, five years later.