Soldier's+and+Sailors'+Home

Following the abandonment in 1894 of old Fort McKinney, which had been established in 1877, the government gave the installation, including between 1,200 and 1,300 acres to the State of Wyoming for a Veterans' Home. The "Home," established in 1895, was first located at 25th and Maxwell in Cheyenne, and Frederick Warnbold was the first member to register, September 1, 1895.

All members were transferred in 1903 from Cheyenne to the present location, the former site of Fort McKinney, three miles west of Buffalo. It is one-half mile south of Highway 16, at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. Clear Creek runs through the center of the area surrounding the home.

Many years prior to 1963, the facilities were utilized by so few veterans that there was a movement under way to close the institution. As a result, the 1963 Legislature passed a law that non-veteran senior citizens of Wyoming were eligible for membership any time the home is not filled to 90% capacity and there are no veterans or veterans dependents' applications pending. Persons eligible are those who by reason of old age, disease, or other infirmities are unable to earn their own living and have not adequate means of support.

For more than four years prior to opening the new addition, September 9, 1973, the membership had been at capacity with forty-six beds and a long waiting list of veterans and veterans' dependent wives and widows. The new addition provides thirty additional private rooms, with a bathroom between each two rooms. The capacity is seventy-six private rooms. The rooms in the new addition are all steam heated and air-conditioned with thermostat control in each room. There are large glass windows with an unrestricted view of the mountains. The main dining room has been enlarged to serve the additional members. All must be ambulatory and able to go to the dining room for their meals. Members of the home are not required to work; however, a staff therapist is employed and members physically able to do so are encouraged to take part in all activities. Recreational facilities, double shuffle board, croquet, pitch, and putt golf and other outside sports are encouraged.

A greenhouse is maintained on the grounds. Members are encouraged to participate in the work and in maintaining the attractively landscaped ground. A hobby shop is complete, with ceramic oven, power tools, and tools for leather work. A private fish pond is provided and is stocked with rainbow trout by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. One-half mile of Clear Creek is closed to the public and used for fishing exclusively by members of the home. A chaplain is appointed on a yearly basis. Nonsectarian services are held on Sunday, twice each month. For members who prefer to attend the church of their choice, transportation to and from Buffalo is provided every Sunday.

Veterans have first priority. Veterans' dependent spouses (widows or widowers) have second.

The Wyoming Soldiers' & Sailors' Home is under the direction of the Wyoming State Board of Charities and Reform. This board consists of the five elected state officials with the Governor as chairman of the board, and it retains a secretary who acts as liaison between the board and the Commandant. Visitors are always welcome.