National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch, Building No. 34, 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, Grant County, IN

See HABS No. IN-306 for overview documentation. Additional individual building documentation in HABS No. IN-306-A through HABS No. IN-306-AR.
STORED OFF SITE AND ON SITE. mchr
Significance: The NHDVS was a federal institution authorized by Congress in 1865 and charged with caring for Civil War veterans disabled by their military service. Congressman George Steele of the 11th Indiana Congressional District successfully promoted the creation of this Branch in Grant County with the promise of an on-site natural gas well for free heating and lighting. Founded in 1889 as the seventh NHDVS branch, the Marion Branch featured a picturesque campus of winding avenues and red brick Queen Anne buildings with wide porches and ornamental balustrades. By 1930 the NHDVS system had eleven branches and became part of the new Veterans Administration.
Building No. 34 was built as the residence for the Marion Branch Governor in 1896. Its placement and large size conveyed the importance of the Governor's position within the hierarchy of the Branch. Lesser ranking officers had smaller or duplex quarters. This dwelling was first occupied by Captain Justin Chapman, who served as Governor until his death in 1904. Congressman Steele then became Marion Branch Governor. In 1921, the Marion Branch became the Marion National Sanitarium, a facility dedicated to the treatment of World War I neuropsychiatric cases, including what was then called shell shock and other mental disorders. After 1930 the Marion Branch continued to specialize in psychiatric care as part of the Veterans Administration. With the ending of the NHDVS, the chief administrative officer was the VA Medical Center director. Building No. 34 served as the VAMC Director's house.
Survey number: HABS IN-306-D
Building/structure dates: 1896 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 99000833