On This Day: June 29

1862 - (Civil War) Battle of Savage's Station, Virginia

The Battle of Savage's Station was fought during the Peninsular Campaign in Virginia. The 5th Wisconsin Infantry and Co. G of the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters took part.

1865 - First Soldiers' Home Fair Held

On this date the first Soldiers' Home Fair was held in Milwaukee. It raised more than $110,000 and allowed the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home Association to purchase land and establish the hospital which became the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Northwestern Branch. This was later renamed the Veterans Administration Medical Center. [Source: History Just Ahead: A Guide to Wisconsin's Historical Markers edited by Sarah Davis McBride, p. 22]

1947 - Olympian Hiawatha Train Begins Service

The Olympian Hiawatha, Milwaukee Road's overnight passenger train, started service on this day. [Source: WHS Curator's Favorites page]