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The Grand Army of the Republic

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After the end of Civil War, many veterans formed various state and local fraternal organizations in order to keep in touch with each other. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) emerged as most influential, being founded on April 6, 1866, in Decatur, Illinois. It was founded on the principles of “fraternity, charity and loyalty.” At its peak in 1890, the GAR. had about 410,000 members. In Indiana, the last survivor of the GAR was John Christian Adams, who died in 1949 in Jonesboro, at the age of 101. The national group lasted until 1956 when it was dissolved after the last veteran died.

Morton Post No. 1, in Terre Haute, created its charter in 1879, with many others following shortly thereafter: Gen. Joe Canby Post 2, Brazil; Logan Post No. 3, Lafayette; John C. Fremont Post No. 4, Covington; Pap Thomas Post 5, Greensburg; James H, Emmett Post No. 6, Wabash; McPherson Post No. 7, Crawfordsville; Auten Post No. 8, South Bend; Gen. Steele Post No. 9, Rockville; Captain Floyd Post 10, Annapolis; Greencastle Post No. 11; and Sugar Greek Post No. 12; Macksville. After these 12 posts, many followed and spread across Indiana until all counties were represented. Eventually, there were a total of 592 posts at their peak.

Cover of Grand Army of the Republic pamphlet.For many years, the GAR held annual encampments. These gatherings occurred at various locations across the state. They would have sham battles, receptions, parades and a variety of entertainment.

Cover of 20th Annual Encampment pamphlet.The Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC) was originally founded as the official women’s auxiliary to the GAR in 1883. The WRC was designed to assist and provide post-war relief to the veterans.

Cover of Women's Relief Corps pamphlet.We have materials about the GAR and the WRC throughout our collections. Over the past year, we have gathered many more materials about both from our Indiana Division collection. The materials that we have added can be found in the State Library’s Indiana Trade, Association and Club Publications digital collection.

This post was written by Christopher Marshall, digital collections coordinator for the Indiana Division at the Indiana State Library.

Further Reading
“History of the Grand Army of the Republic in Indiana”
“Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) 1866-1956”
Woman’s Relief Corps
“Regimental reunions of Civil War veterans”