This collection contains the files of veterans or their spouses who lived at the Washington State Department of Veterans’ Affairs Soldiers’ Home at Orting between 1891 and 1987. Each file includes an application for admission to the Home, which gives name, Department of Veterans’ Affairs identification number, date of birth, occupation, marital status, number of children, nearest relative, residence, length of residence in Washington, military record, and surgeon’s statement. Files may also include official correspondence and other materials.

The Washington Soldiers’ Home at Orting was created to give veterans long-term healthcare and housing. It opened in 1891 and continues to operate today. The Department of Veterans' Affairs was created by the Legislature in 1976 to assume the powers, duties, and functions relating to veterans, which were previously held by the Department of Social and Health Services and its predecessors.

Learn about the documentation of Military in Washington and what information is found in the various record types by selecting the tab that says "About this Collection"here.