Confederate Men's Home, Austin, Texas
historical marker
In Austin, Travis County, a historical marker commemorates the Confederate Men's Home. This institution began in 1884 as a project of the John B. Hood Camp of United Confederate Veterans. Its purpose was to provide a residence for disabled and indigent Confederate veterans. The Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy assisted with fundraising efforts. In 1886, the home opened at 1600 West Sixth Street. It operated with public contributions until 1891, when the State of Texas assumed control. Over time, the home expanded its scope to include disabled veterans of the Spanish-American War and World War I, as well as mental health patients. More than 2,000 Confederate veterans resided there until the last veteran passed away in 1954. The home continued operations until 1963, when its remaining residents were transferred. The original buildings were razed in 1970 to make way for new construction. This historical marker was erected in 2010 by the Texas Historical Commission, marking the site of a significant state institution that cared for veterans for decades.