Y.W.C.A. War Work Centers in the United States

The Y.W.C.A.’s national contribution to the American war efforts.

This important map of the United States highlights the extent of domestic wartime contributions offered by the Young Women’s Christian Association to soldiers and civilians during the First World War. A simple base map by C.S. Hammond & Co. of New York identifies major settlements, geographic features, and other locations of interest. Red overprinting highlights the numerous (over 100 in total) Y.W.C.A. war work centers scattered across the nation.

A legend in the lower right identifies the symbols used, including those to define both ‘White’ and ‘Colored’ Hostess Houses. These facilities were generally constructed on or in the immediate vicinity of military encampments. Other organizations include Girls’ Clubs, Emergency Housing, City Associations, and International Institutes for Young Women. According to Penn State Library,

“The Young Women’s Christian Association was part of a group of United States organizations that joined together to aid war relief efforts at home and abroad during World War I. Their focus was on the contributions of women to the war effort.”

Sources: Penn State; Yale Library; VCU Library;