The GAR is the Union Post-Civil War soldier's organization formed in 1866. Its ceremonies are loosely based upon Masonic rituals. Many of its members were masons.
Today the Sons of Union Veterans is the organization that carries on the mission of remembrance of the Union Veterans to preserve their halls and graves. The Sons were formed in 1881 when there were still surviving members of the Civil War and GAR alive.
The last Union Veteran of the Civil War died at the age of 106. Albert Henry Woolson (February 11, 1850 – August 2, 1956) was the last known surviving member of the Union Army and GAR who served in the American Civil War; he was also the last surviving Civil War veteran on either side whose status is undisputed. He joined in 1864 as a drummer boy
John McDermott GAR Post #101 in Boscobel, Wisconsin. This is the only surviving GAR Hall in Wisconsin. The hall is maintained as a museum by the local Woman's Relief Corps. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Additionally, it is listed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. The Hall is at 102 Mary St, Boscobel, WI 53805
Armistead-Bingham Lodge #1862 has financially supported the Boscobel Wisconsin GAR Hall with a yearly contribution since 2005. This year we were able to contribute $250.00 towards the hall's maintenance.
