Allied Orders of the GAR convention comes to Louisville
The Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) is holding its national convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville from Aug. 13 through 16. Most of those attending have an ancestor who fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
The group is hosting a tour on Aug. 13 of the Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Shrine and the newly renovated Lincoln Museum — both in Hodgenville, Ky., which is about 45 minutes from Louisville. The $20 tour leaves the hotel at noon and returns by 5 p.m., and is limited to 110 people.
Speeches, a breakfast ($15), a memorial service for deceased members, various business meetings, a formal banquest ($38) and a tour of Cave Hill Cemetery round out the convention, which the Allied Orders of the GAR term a National Encampment. Check the convention's Schedule for details. You can pre-register here. The Crowne Plaza, near Louisville International Airport, was formally called the Executive West Hotel.
The GAR was a fraternal organization of Civil War veterans who had fought for the Union. Established in 1866, by 1890, the GAR had come to number 490,000 members. The organization led to the creation of the Old Soldiers Homes, which evolved into the current Department of Veterans Affairs. The GAR itself was formally dissolved in 1956 when its last member died.
The GAR's membership was exclusively limited to veterans; however, five organizations were created for family members and others. These Allied Orders are the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, founded in 1881; the Woman's Relief Corps and the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, both founded in 1883; the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, founded in 1885; and the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, founded in 1886. All five of these organizations continue to this day and are dedicated to keeping Civil War soldiers in the national consciousness.
Hotel reservations can be made by calling (800) 626-2708. Mentioning the Allied Orders secures a rate of $91 a night.
Posted by Ivonne Rovira
