Established in 1868 in Decatur, Illinois, the Grand Army of the
Republic (GAR) was a social and fraternal organization composed of
veterans of the Union Military. The organization was based loosely
on the traditions of ‘freemasonry’ and specifically on military
tradition, being arranged into ‘departments’ at the state level and
‘posts’ at the community level. By 1890 it counted nearly a half a
million members, with posts in every state.
The GAR was among the first organized ‘interest groups’ in
American politics, wielding considerable political clout
nationwide. Between 1868 and 1908, no Republican was nominated to a
national ticket without its endorsement.
The group was active in lobbying for veterans-interest
legislation, founding retirement homes for soldier and caring for
the families and widows of dead comrades. Their influence led to
the establishment of the Old Soldiers’ Homes in the late 19th
century, that were to evolve into the present-day United States
Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
General Order #11 of the GAR, issued in 1868, called for May 30
to be designated as a day of memory for Union veterans. This
holiday, originally called “Decoration Day” evolved into the
national holiday that we now know as “Memorial Day.”
In tens of thousands of communities all over America, in the
historic resting places of these soldiers, can be seen the GAR
insignia and flag-holder assemblies bearing the dates 1861-1865.
This cache is located in one such historic place where several
members of the GAR now rest. This peaceful place sits atop a ridge
on South Mountain, the same chain of mountains that Gen. Lee used
to great tactical advantage during both the Antietam and Gettysburg
campaigns.
This is a micro cache. Too small for trade goods, it contains a
logsheet only.
It is NOT in the birdhouse.
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If
you are a Geocacher in the state of Maryland, please
join the Maryland Geocaching Society. This is a great way
to get the most out of Geocaching in our region.
Simply go to www.mdgps.org for
details! |