Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Medal |
Description |
Medal-GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) "Connecticut Gar" on brass plate with pin on top, blue satin ribbon with nutmeg attached to bottom. Most likely belonged to Charles Foster from Civil War participation. The GAR was concerned with veteran benefits and was actively involved in establishing soldiers’ homes, making provisions for soldiers’ graves, and lobbying for pension benefits. It proved to be an effective pressure group and exerted significant influence in the political arena. Membership in the organization reached its highest point in 1890, when its numbers reached over 400,000. On an annual basis, members meet at national and local encampments. Encampments were elaborate multi-day events which often included camping out, formal dinners and memorial events. In 1949, however, with almost all its members deceased, the GAR held its last national meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. The decision was made to disband the organization after its last member, Albert Woolson, died in 1956. This GAR medal was given to Charles Foster when he participated in a national reunion. In August of 1862, President Lincoln called for more volunteers to serve in the Union Army. Charles Foster answered this call and joined the 22nd Regiment Connecticut Volunteers Infantry on August 28, 1862. The regiment was officially mustered into service on September 20, 1862 to serve for the period of nine months, unless sooner discharged. The regiment left Hartford for New York on October 2, 1862. They joined Major General Heintzelman and entered the Army of the Potomac in the defense of Washington. The regiment returned home and was mustered out of service on July 7, 1863. After the Civil War had ended and soldiers who survived the war had gone home, some of these veterans began to miss the friendships and camaraderie that they had shared during the war. Veterans’ clubs began to spring up all around the country. The largest and most influential was the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The GAR was established on April 6, 1866 by Major B.F. Stephenson, a former army surgeon, and held its first national meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 22, 1866. The following year, the United Service Club of Connecticut was initiated into the Grand Army of the Republic, and Post #1, located in Norwich, was formed in February 1867. |
Catalog Number |
1985.119.FF |
Dimensions |
W-1.25 L-2.75 inches |
Collection |
Fosterfields Collection |
Provenance |
Foster |
Copyright Statement |
For obtaining use permission refer to the MCPC Copyright Policy. |