On this date in 1891, Governor Burke signed Senate Bill #60, which allowed for the creation of a State Soldiers’ Home. Money was appropriated to buy land and construct necessary buildings, and in August, a board of commissioners purchased 90 acres – locally known as “the Cramer Farm” – near the city of Lisbon in the Sheyenne River Valley.

The first barracks were completed two years later, and the first veteran, 73-year-old George Hutchings, entered the Home on August 2, 1893. He was from Ransom County and had fought in the Civil War.

During the early years, the Soldiers’ Home required residents to wear special-issue uniforms consisting of dark blue coats and vests, light blue trousers and black hats.

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