Union League of Philadelphia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Union League of Philadelphia
The Union League Logo
Union League of Philadelphia in 2024
Type	Social club
Headquarters	140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.


Union League of Philadelphia
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

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Built	1864–65
Architect	John Fraser Horace Trumbauer
Architectural style	Second Empire, Beaux Arts
NRHP reference No.	79002331
Added to NRHP	June 22, 1979

The Union League of Philadelphia is a special club started in 1862. It was created by people from Philadelphia who wanted to support President Abraham Lincoln and the Union during the American Civil War. Today, the club has more than 4,000 members.

The main building of the Union League was finished in 1865. It is now a historic place, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Other similar clubs, called Union Leagues, exist in cities like Manhattan, Chicago, Brooklyn, and New Haven, Connecticut. These clubs are separate but share a similar history and often work together.

Since it began, the Union League of Philadelphia has always supported the U.S. Armed Forces in all wars. At first, only white men could join. However, the club started accepting Black members in 1972 and women in the 1980s. The club's building in Center City, Philadelphia has a unique style called Second Empire. It was made bigger in 1910 and 1911. The club has also bought several golf courses over the years. In 2019, it created the Legacy Foundation to help with public education.

History of the Union League
Famous Members of the Club
Gallery
See also

History of the Union League

The Union League of Philadelphia was founded on November 22, 1862. Its main goal was to show support for the Union and President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. The club's ideas helped other Union Leagues start up during this time.

The Union League has always supported the United States Armed Forces in every conflict since its founding. The club's motto is "Amor Patriae Ducit," which means "Love of Country Leads." It is the oldest of the loyalty clubs that are still active today.

Joining the Club: Who Could Be a Member?

In the 1800s and early 1900s, most clubs like the Union League of Philadelphia only allowed white men to join. This changed over time.

In 1972, William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. became the first Black member of the club. A decade later, in 1983, Mary Roebling became the first woman to join.

The Union League Building: A Historic Place

The main building of the Union League is in Center City, Philadelphia. It was designed by John Fraser and finished in May 1865. The building has a style called Second Empire, with brick and brownstone on the outside.

The club had planned to open the building in March 1865, with President Lincoln attending. However, they had to delay because it was hard to get building materials during the war. Later, in 1905, another architect named Horace Trumbauer designed large additions to the building. These additions were finished in 1910 and 1911, making the building stretch an entire city block. The building was recognized as a historic place in 1979.

The Union League has a special Heritage Center. This center keeps and shows many important documents and items from the American Civil War. The club also has a large library for its members.

The Union League in the 21st Century

In 2010, the Union League made history by electing Joan Carter as its first female president.

The club has also expanded its properties.

In 2014, it bought the Torresdale-Frankford Country Club and renamed it the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale.
In 2017, it bought the Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton, New Jersey, and renamed it the Union League National Golf Club.
In 2021, it bought the Ace Club and Conference Center in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, and renamed it the Union League Golf Club at Liberty Hill.

The Union League has been giving scholarships and teaching the public about Philadelphia and the American Civil War since the 1940s. In 2019, they created the Legacy Foundation. Its goal is to help people become "more educated, engaged, and responsible citizens."

In 2022, the Union League celebrated its 160th birthday. They did 160 acts of patriotism around Philadelphia to help local community groups. The organization is generally seen as politically conservative. In 2022, the club gave a gold medal to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This award is very special, as it was also given to President Lincoln. Some members did not agree with this award. Other people who have received this award include George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Rumsfeld. The club has also honored other important figures in American politics and law, such as Jeff Sessions, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito.

Famous Members of the Club

Many notable people have been members of the Philadelphia Union League. Some of these include Cyrus McCormick, Robert Todd Lincoln, Adolph E. Borie, Daniel Burnham, William D. Boyce, Charles D. Barney, and George J. Smith.

Gallery

1st Regiment Infantry National Guard of Philadelphia by Henry Kirke Bush-Brown
Washington Grays Monument by John A Wilson
The Union League's 1911 addition, seen from 15th Street
The organization's historical marker
The Memorial Room at the Union League of Philadelphia