August 31, 1949 - Final Meeting of Grand Army of the Republic Soldiers - Civil War
Closing the Book on the Civil War
From the Book:
August 31, 1949 - Final Meeting of Grand Army of the Republic Soldiers - Civil War
The Grand Army of the Republic, composed of Union Civil War soldiers, formed on April 6, 1866, in Decatur, Illinois. Eventually, the GAR grew to include chapters in every state, including the states of the former Confederacy. At its height in 1890, the GAR had over 490,000 former veterans. Two women, who had fought disguised as men, were included in the membership. There is a possibility that there were more women members not recorded. Each year, beginning in 1866, the GAR held National Encampment, in which Civil War veterans from every state met. The last National Encampment took place on August 31, 1949.
The Last National Encampment
The site for the final 83rd National Encampment was Indianapolis, Indiana. The GAR had sixteen surviving members, however only six were able to attend. The ages of the attendees ranged from 100 to 106 years of age. The members held their business meeting at the Hotel Claypool. One of the final acts was to elect the existing commanders of the organization to remain in command until the GAR dissolved with the death of the last member. They held their final Campfire at the Indiana Roof Ballroom at 140 W Washington Street. At the conclusion of the Campfire program a Marine Corps Band bugler played Taps while members retired the GAR colors for the final time. The last surviving member of the GAR, Albert Woolson, passed away on August 2, 1956 at 106 years old. At his death, the GAR passed into history. Woolson had enlisted at thirteen years old as a drummer boy for the Company C, 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment after his father died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Shiloh.