In December 1851, the U.S. government purchased the Riggs estate, along with a neighboring estate, to serve as the site of the first permanent retirement home for enlisted soldiers. In 1852, retired military residents moved into the former Riggs…

The Gothic Revival summer cottage of banker George Washington Riggs was constructed by carpenter William Degges in 1842-43 -- according to plans by Philadelphia architect John Skirving, a close colleague of acclaimed architect Thomas U. Walter. It…