Historic Home for Soldiers & Sailors

This local landmark has an interesting history and still provides nursing and personal care services for eligible veterans and their spouses.

In the 1880s, many area residents who fought in the Civil War were aging and needed care. Still others were permanently disabled from their service. With no disability programs, Social Security or other assistance available, these men were adrift without care.

The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie was a godsend for these veterans. It opened on Feb. 22, 1886, and included a parade down State Street with local dignitaries and a band. The home was designed to have the appearance of a grand hotel, and it was an honor to reside there—earned through bravery and service to the nation.

The grounds also include several notable historical landmarks.

The Anthony Wayne Blockhouse was originally constructed in 1795 under the direction of Maj. General Anthony Wayne. He ended up dying there from complications of a gout attack, and was also buried there in 1796. The original structure burned down in 1852, but the building was reconstructed in 1880. Equally as interesting as the building itself, however, is the story of Wayne’s interment.

In 1809, his son and daughter decided they should dig up his body and move it to Radnor, Pennsylvania, where the family lived. Unfortunately, they did not have room in the carriage for the entire body. However, a helpful local physician, Dr. John Wallace, decided to remove the clothing and boil the flesh. This resulted in Wayne’s flesh being buried in Erie, and his skeletal remains buried in Radnor, 400 miles away!

The interfaith chapel on the grounds features beautiful architecture and stained glass, including a portrait of Lincoln, and 33 Civil War Corps badges. A major restoration was completed in 2021, with careful preservation of its historic architecture. The chapel now serves residents and visitors as a quiet place of reflection and faith, along with a profoundly beautiful setting for memorial ceremonies.

Also at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home is the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 1,300 veterans from the Civil War era. It is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s only state cemetery, and it is maintained by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

There are many Civil War soldiers’ graves, but also those of veterans from every war in our nation’s history since then. A ceremony is held every year on the Sunday before Memorial Day. There will also be a ceremony the third Saturday in December for National Wreaths Across America Day.

A visit to the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home is a great way to learn more about the area’s role in this important part of our history. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, it’s important to reflect on those who preserved our Union, and guaranteed freedom and justice for all.

To schedule a tour, call 814.878.4939, or email ra-mv-pssh-contact@pa.gov. For more information on the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, visit pa.gov/agencies/dmva/pa-veterans-homes.

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