Major Sullivan Ballou Camp #3

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Calendar of Events
Member Eligibility
Sullivan's Letter to Sarah
Elected & Appointed Officers
Photos
Patriotic Instructor's Report
History of G.A.R.
Early History of the SUVCW
History of Camp #3
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Major Sullivan Ballou

 

 
Welcome to our website!
 
We would like to show you a little about ourselves
and what it is that we do, than we will show you
how you can join with us and share your love for
the American Civil War, History &
The United States of America

Within the pages you are about to visit you will be introduced to the members of our camp and their relatives who served in the American Civil War. You will also learn about the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Grand Army of the Republic.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was a creation of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) which was formed in 1866. Wanting to pass on its heritage, the GAR in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania created a Corps of Cadets in 1878 which later became the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America (SV). This latter organization was formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1881. The SV units functioned much as National Guard units and actually served along with state militia during the Spanish American War.

In 1904, the SV elected to become a patriotic education society and in 1925 changed its name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). However, to keep the military aspect alive, the SUVCW created within the organization the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) which was carried on the Army rolls as a Reserve contingent. Some SVR units served with the Army during World War I. After World War I, the SVR was listed as a training company of the U.S. Army.

In more recent years, the SVR's mission has become historic, ceremonial, and commemorative. Prior to disbanding and before the death of its last member, the GAR officially designated the SUVCW as its successor and heir to its remaining property. On August 20, 1954, the SUVCW was officially incorporated by an Act of Congress by the passing of Public Law 605 of the second session of the 83rd Congress.

Please enjoy our website & let us know what you think about the website and how we may improve it.

 

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War