Name/Title
Civil War Veterans PinEntry/Object ID
2023.1.507Description
A Civil War veterans pin or Medal with an Eagle with wings spread at the top. The American flag in the center (note the number of stars and stripes) and a five pointed gold star at the bottom. The star has the raised words: "Grand Army of the Republic" and "1861 Veterans 1866"Context
The eagle at top is posed to defend the flag. The medal obverse shows the goddess Minerva, associated with justice, wisdom, and victory, stands over a soldier and sailor clasping hands representing Loyalty and Fraternity, and two children receiving protection, representing Charity, the three cardinal precepts of the organization.
Around the vignette the border reads: "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC" and "1861 VETERANS 1866,” the dates referring to the official start and end dates of the war that qualified veterans for membership. At the corners of the star are branch of service insignia. On the reverse the national shield at center is protected by rings of the insignia of the various army corps in keystones, stars representing the states and departments of the G.A.R. around the edge and sprigs of laurel in the upper two corners and the three more corps badges in the lower three.
Founded in 1866 and dissolved in 1956 with the death of its last member, the organization reached a membership of 410,000 in 1890 and was an national political force with a natural interest in veterans’ affairs.
