What is the GAR?
The Grand Army of the Republic or GAR was an organization composed of Civil War Veterans. It was social, political and fraternal in nature. It became powerful and politicians sought the endorsement of the GAR. Almost every town had a GAR Post and GAR Hall. They held regular reunions or encampments at the State and National levels. Many of today’s Civil War Monuments were erected and dedicated by the GAR. As old soldiers passed on, the organization faded away. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) was the successor organization.
