List of Grand Army of the Republic posts in Kansas facts for kids
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a group for soldiers who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. This article shares information about the G.A.R. groups, called "posts," that were located in Kansas, United States.
The G.A.R. started its Kansas branch on December 7, 1866. Before that, there was a similar group called the Veteran Brotherhood, which began in December 1865. After some time, the Kansas G.A.R. was officially reorganized on March 16, 1880.
Their first big meeting for the whole state was held in Topeka in 1882. The very last state meeting took place in Emporia in 1943.
Many Civil War veterans moved to Kansas after 1865. More than 28,000 Union soldiers lived there. At its busiest time in the late 1880s, the G.A.R. in Kansas had over 19,000 members. These members were part of 478 different local groups, or "posts."
What Were G.A.R. Posts?
G.A.R. posts were like local clubs for Civil War veterans. They met to support each other, remember their service, and help their communities. Many posts were named after important people or famous battles from the war. For example, some posts were named after presidents like Abraham Lincoln or generals like James B. McPherson. Other posts were named after battles like the Battle of Fort Donelson or the Battle of Gettysburg. Sometimes, a post was simply named after the town where it was located.
These posts were very important for veterans. They offered a place to share stories and help fellow soldiers and their families.
Examples of Kansas G.A.R. Posts
Here are a few examples of the many G.A.R. posts that existed in Kansas:
- Lincoln Post No. 1 was in Topeka and named after President Abraham Lincoln.
- McPherson Post No. 4 was in Independence and named for General James B. McPherson.
- Custer Post No. 6 was in Leavenworth and named after General George Armstrong Custer.
- Garfield Post No. 25 was in Wichita and named after President James A. Garfield.
- John Brown Post No. 44 was in Belleville and named after the famous abolitionist John Brown.
- U. S. Grant Post No. 201 was in Elmdale and named after General and President Ulysses S. Grant.
- Thomas Brennan Post No. 380 was located at the Leavenworth National Military Home.
These posts show how veterans honored leaders and important events from the Civil War. They also show how these groups were spread across many towns in Kansas.
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