Today in Johnson City History, Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Catching up....
Monday, April 8, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Washington. Readers learned that “Representative Geo. W. Steele, of Indiana, a member of the board of managers of the National Soldiers’ Home, has returned to Washington from Johnson City, Tenn., where he and other members of the board went to inspect the various sites offered the government for the erection of a new branch of the Soldiers’ Home. Mr. Steele says that all the members of the board were pleased with the delightful climate and location of Jonson City. ‘It is an ideal place for a branch home,’ said he to the Chattanooga Times correspondent. ‘We have practically reached a decision as to the location of the home, though this is still open to further consideration. From a climatic and healthful standpoint, as well as one of scenery, Johnson City could not be improved upon. It is also an historic spot, and the new home to be erected will commemorate the early historic achievements of the people of that section.’