Grand Army of the Republic Hall (Grand Meadow, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Booth Post No. 130-Grand Army of the Republic Hall
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The hall from the southeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Meadow, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1891 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001278 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 1986 |
Imagine a clubhouse built a long time ago, where soldiers who fought in a big war could meet up. That's what the Grand Army of the Republic Hall in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, was! It's also known as Booth Post No. 130. This special building was constructed in 1891.
On June 13, 1986, this hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It's special because it's a rare example of an old clubhouse that was built using simple plans. It's also one of only two Grand Army of the Republic halls left in Minnesota!
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What is the Grand Army of the Republic Hall?
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall served as a meeting place for a group called the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). This group was made up of soldiers who fought for the Union in the American Civil War. The hall in Grand Meadow was specifically for a local chapter called Booth Post No. 130.
This building is a great example of history you can see. It helps us remember the people and events of the past. Today, the hall is empty, but it still stands as a reminder of its important history.
A Special Building Style: Carpenter Gothic
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall is built in a style called Carpenter Gothic. This isn't a fancy, stone castle style. Instead, it's a way of building that uses wood to create designs often seen in larger, more expensive Gothic buildings.
Think of it like this: builders used wood to make pointed arches, steep roofs, and decorative trim. These details made the building look grander, even though it was made from common materials. It was a popular style for homes and smaller public buildings in the late 1800s.
Who Were the Grand Army of the Republic?
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a very important group after the American Civil War. It was formed by soldiers who fought for the Union (the northern states) between 1861 and 1865. These veterans wanted to support each other and remember their service.
The G.A.R. helped former soldiers and their families. They also worked to protect the rights of veterans. They were a powerful voice in American politics for many years. The group grew to have hundreds of thousands of members across the country.
Booth Post No. 130: A Local Meeting Place
The Grand Army of the Republic had many local groups, called "posts," all over the United States. Booth Post No. 130 was one of these posts, located right in Grand Meadow, Minnesota. There were 192 G.A.R. posts in Minnesota alone!
These posts were like local clubs where veterans could gather. They would share stories, help each other out, and organize events. The Grand Army of the Republic Hall was the special place where the members of Booth Post No. 130 met regularly. It was a place for friendship, support, and remembering their shared history.
Why is it Important Today?
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall is important for a few reasons. First, it's a rare example of a building from that time. Many similar clubhouses have been torn down or changed. This hall shows us how these buildings looked and were used.
Second, it helps us understand the history of the Grand Army of the Republic. This group played a big role in American society after the Civil War. The hall reminds us of the veterans who lived in Grand Meadow and their contributions. It's a piece of history that helps us learn about the past.
