Historical Marker · No. 828
Veterans Home of California
Yountville, Napa County · California
Erected by State Department of Parks and Recreation and State Department of Veterans Affairs, 1969
Two bronzes on this campus disagree by eight years about when California took the home. The state plaque says the Veterans Home Association deeded it over in January 1897; the Native Sons' 1984 plaque on California Drive puts the gift at July 1889, when there were fifty-five buildings. Neither says the association had spent every dollar it raised before the doors opened on April 1, 1884, to forty-two Mexican War and Civil War veterans. It is now the largest veterans home in the country. A painted tile panel beside the state plaque thanks its contributors.
What the plaque says
Veterans Home of California Established in 1884 by Mexican War veterans and members of the Grand Army of the Republic who recognized the need for a home for California's aged and disabled veterans. In January 1897 the Veterans Home Association deeded the home and its 910 acres of land to the State of California which has maintained it since that date. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 828 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the State Department of Veterans Affairs, April 1, 1969. Veterans Home of California On Oct. 25, 1882, the Veterans Home of California Association purchased 910 acres in Yountville for $17,750. On this site the first building was erected. The Home officially opened April 1, 1884 for Civil and Mexican War veterans. By July 1, 1889, the Home had grown to 55 buildings and was gift deeded to the State of California. In 1926 Col. Nelson M. Holderman, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, WWI, was named Commandant. He began modernization of the Home which was almost completed by his death on Sept. 3, 1953. Dedicated to the principle of caring for those who served. April 1, 1984 Native Sons of the Golden West Walter G. Perazzo, Grand President In memory of James D. Phelan, U.S. Senator
Where it stands
38.39700, -122.35983 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Grave of George C. Yount — 0.9 mi
- Site of Yount's Blockhouse — 1.8 mi
- Buena Vista Winery and Vineyards — 7.5 mi
- Site of Haraszthy Villa — 7.6 mi