Did You Know: DGS Supports Its Sister Agencies in Their Missions – Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home sits on 126 beautiful acres in St. Mary’s County. (Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office)

The Department of General Services supports its sister agencies in their missions, whether it is the construction of a new facility, renovations to historic buildings or HVAC equipment repairs and replacement. The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is one of many examples of the variety of projects DGS undertakes to enhance the experience of both employees and visitors at state facilities.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is unique in that it is the only veterans’ home in the State of Maryland. Operated by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, it has been proudly “serving those who served” since 1985. The home is situated on 126 historic acres in St. Mary’s County and offers a continuum of care from the 168-bed assisted living program to the 286-bed skilled nursing program.

In late February, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new roof at the home, work overseen by DGS. But the agency has been involved in construction, renovation and replacement projects since the State acquired the property in 1978. When the home opened in 1985, DGS was finishing Phase II construction, which had begun in 1983.

“From construction of the veterans’ home and a 126-bed residential wing, to removing and replacing an underground fuel tank, installing a 20-ton rooftop heat pump, replacing the nurse call system, making dining room renovations, and, more recently, replacing the roof, DGS has been the proud steward of these and other projects that have improved the quality of life for the veterans who live there,” said Secretary Gail Bassette.

Governor Larry Hogan was joined by First Lady Yumi Hogan and Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings (3rd from right) for the February 27 ribbon cutting ceremony for the new roof installed on the home. (Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.)

Charlotte Hall has a long and distinguished history. It was established in 1774, when Maryland was still a British colony. It was intended to provide for the “liberal and pious education of youth to better fit them for the discharge of their duties for the British Empire.” It became Charlotte Hall Military Academy, and many notable alumni walked its halls during its long history. These included Robert Bowie (1750 – 1818), Governor of Maryland; Edward Bates (1793 – 1869), United State Attorney General under Abraham Lincoln; and Thomas Parren, Surgeon General of the United States from 1936 to 1948.

“It’s fitting, given its history of distinguished alumni who served our nation, that Charlotte Hall now serves men and women who dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom,” the Secretary said.