Kansas Soldiers' Home facts for kids

The Kansas Soldiers' Home (KSH) is a special place for military veterans in Fort Dodge, Kansas. It was started on February 7, 1890. This home helps veterans by offering many different services. The Kansas Commission of Veterans' Affairs oversees it.

History of the Kansas Soldiers' Home

The land where the Kansas Soldiers' Home is now was once a military base called Fort Dodge (US Army Post). This fort was important because it was along the famous Santa Fe Trail. It began as a camp in 1864. Then, in April 1865, it became a permanent fort. Its main job was to protect the area from raids. Fort Dodge was active until 1882.

After the fort closed, people in Dodge City wanted to use the land for a soldiers' home. A soldiers' home is a place where veterans can live and get care. In 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed a law. This law allowed part of the old military land to be used for the home.

The Kansas Soldiers' Home opened in early 1890. Many of the old fort buildings were used for the new home. Some of the first people to live there were veterans from the American Civil War. Both Union and Confederate soldiers were welcomed. Veterans from the Indian campaigns and the Mexican War also came to live there. Later, African American veterans were also admitted.

In the early years, some residents found it hard to adjust to community living. However, the home continued to grow and improve.

A big celebration happened on July 4, 1890. This was the first Independence Day party at the home. More than 200 people from Dodge City came to celebrate. Both Confederate and Union veterans were honored at this event.

Over the years, the home has served veterans from all wars that followed. New buildings were built to offer more services. A cemetery was also created for residents who passed away. By 2010, about 400 veterans were buried in the Kansas Soldiers' Home Cemetery. A new cemetery, the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge, opened in 2002. By 2010, 166 veterans and their family members were buried there. In 1998, the home added long-term nursing care for veterans needing more help.

Services for Veterans and Staff

Today, the Kansas Soldiers' Home offers many services. These services help both the residents and sometimes the staff and visitors. Here are some of the things they offer:

• A library, museum, and gift shop for everyone to enjoy.
• Long-term nursing care with 56 beds for those who need constant medical help.
• Domiciliary care with 33 beds, which means independent living support.
• 56 single and double room houses for more self-sufficient residents.
• A fitness room for residents and staff to stay active.
• Two cemeteries for veterans and their families.
• A health clinic funded by the US Veteran Affairs. This clinic helps residents get medical care.
• Fun activities like arts, crafts, and gardening for residents.

Accreditation and Quality Ratings

The Kansas Soldiers' Home meets high standards. It is approved by several important groups. This means it provides excellent care.

• The US Veterans Administration fully approves the Home as a State Veterans Home.
• The long-term care unit must follow rules from the Kansas Department of Aging.
• U.S. News & World Report is a well-known publication. In early 2010, it listed the Kansas Soldiers' Home's long-term unit as a "Best Nursing Home." It received a five-star rating, which is the highest possible. This means it offers top-quality care.

Notable Residents of the Home

• James H. "Dog" Kelley: He was the mayor of Dodge City from 1877 to 1881. He spent his last years at the soldiers' home and passed away there in 1912.