The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was an aorganization created by the Union Veterans of the Civil War.  The G.A.R. existed between 1866 to 1956, covering a 90 year existence.  In Michigan there were 512 posts formed, and over 10,000 GAR posts create by the organization in the nation.  There were even a few posts five posts in Canada, one in Mexico and another in Peru.  

The G.A.R. as an organization helped to set the foundation for future veterans organizations in the country, as well as lobby for benefits for wounded soldiers, widows and orphans of the Civil War.  They were also instrumental in securing pensions for the colored troops in the years following the war.  

The organization membership was restricted to members of the Union Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the Revenue Cutter Service (forerunner to the Coast Guard) that were honorably discharged and served between April 12, 1866 and April 9, 1865.  However, they were influencial in helping to establish many other affliated organizations that also became powerful groups, some that still exist today.

The G.A.R. became a powerful influence in their years of existence, having elected five of their own members to the Presidency of the United States.  

For more information on the G.A.R. Museum, visit: https://garmuseum.com/

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com/