G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic)

The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization formed by Union veterans of the American Civil War, established in 1866. It served as a social, political, and charitable group that supported veterans’ interests, promoted patriotism, and influenced public policy. The G.A.R. also helped preserve the memory of the Union cause, advocating for veterans’ benefits and memorials. It was highly influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with local posts across the United States. The organization declined after World War I and was officially disbanded in 1956, but it played a key role in shaping veterans’ advocacy and Civil War remembrance.