# 985 - 1949 3c Grand Army of the Republic
Grand Army Of The Republic
After the Civil War, state and local organizations were founded throughout the country to help veterans stay in contact with each other. These organizations were created to provide fellowship and aid to those veterans in need.
The GAR was founded to provide fellowship among the men who fought to preserve the Union, to honor those killed in the war, to care for veteran dependents, and to preserve the US Constitution. It established soldiers’ homes, was active in relief work, and lobbied for pension legislation.
The GAR quickly spread across the country. They were the first integrated society of their kind, gladly welcoming black Union veterans into their midst. They also had significant political power and were a major advocate for the Republican Party, especially during the Reconstruction Era. They were partly responsible for the elections of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, and McKinley. At its peak in 1890, the GAR had over 490,000 members.
Grand Army Of The Republic
After the Civil War, state and local organizations were founded throughout the country to help veterans stay in contact with each other. These organizations were created to provide fellowship and aid to those veterans in need.
The GAR was founded to provide fellowship among the men who fought to preserve the Union, to honor those killed in the war, to care for veteran dependents, and to preserve the US Constitution. It established soldiers’ homes, was active in relief work, and lobbied for pension legislation.
The GAR quickly spread across the country. They were the first integrated society of their kind, gladly welcoming black Union veterans into their midst. They also had significant political power and were a major advocate for the Republican Party, especially during the Reconstruction Era. They were partly responsible for the elections of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, and McKinley. At its peak in 1890, the GAR had over 490,000 members.