The original estate that houses VVH was constructed in 1860. In 1884, recognizing the need to care for veterans disabled in the Civil War, the State General Assembly appointed Trustees of a Soldiers’ Home and authorized a $10,000 appropriation as initial funding. The first of twenty-five residents was admitted on May 18, 1887. On April 14, 1971, the Soldiers’ Home was renamed the Vermont Veterans’ Home.

 

Construction of a cemetery began in 1884 with one acre devoted to the burial of Civil War veterans. Expanded to 17 acres, and containing about 300 gravesites, burial is now restricted to residents of the VVH.

 

Significant capital construction began in the 1960’s including renovation of the administration building, residential areas, and dining room, and construction of new nursing care units, a chapel, social hall, gazebo, and bandstand. 

 

In the past several years, other significant additions and renovations occurred, including a geothermal system for heating and cooling, and renovation of four residential units, and development of a memorial area which includes monuments dedicated to Vermont Medal of Honor winners, Gold Star Mothers, and Vermont Veterans. Lighting systems, electronic controls, and information systems have been updated.