Connecticut State Archives Archival Record Group (RG) #073, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Fitch’s Home for Soldiers

Fitch’s Home for Soldiers and Orphans (1863-1940), also known as the Noroton Home, located in Darien, Connecticut, was first erected by Benjamin Fitch and was dedicated July 4, 1864. In 1887, the State assumed control and renamed the home Fitch’s Home for Soldiers.

At the Fitch’s Home, many of the State’s Civil War Veterans were cared for, as well as Veterans of the Spanish American War and World War I. Due to its limited facilities and the increase of returning veterans, the Veterans Home and Hospital Commission sought to relocate the Home. The new Veterans Home and Hospital was opened in Rocky Hill on August 28, 1940.

The Deceased Veterans Discharge Files, 1882-1936, consists of approximately 2300 veterans’ files from the Fitch’s Home for Soldiers. Although the veterans listed served primarily in the Civil War, a few Spanish American veterans are included. The files are arranged by file number. Each file contains the veteran’s name, unit, residence, date of admission, and pension certificate number.

People may request a copy of a file by contacting the staff of the History & Genealogy Unit by telephone (860) 757-6580 or email. When requesting a copy of a record, please include at least the name of the individual and date.

Abbreviations of Connecticut Military Branch of Service:

CLB – Connecticut Light Battery CVA – Connecticut Volunteer Artillery CVC – Connecticut Volunteer Cavalry CVC – Connecticut Volunteer Cavalry CVHA – Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery CVI – Connecticut Volunteer Infantry