Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Washington and Alaska records, 1861-1924

After the Civil War, veterans who had fought for the Union formed the Grand Army of the Republic. The G. A. R., as it became known, and its auxiliary Women's Relief Corps provided support for veterans, including organization of soldier reunions, political clout for federal and state Soldiers Homes for invalids, and advocacy for a Memorial Day. Civil War veterans became a powerful force in Seattle and the rest of Washington, often dominating businesses, government offices, and political races, with nearly 100 organized "posts" in the state.

One of the largest and most prestigious posts was Stevens Post #1 in Seattle, which was established in 1878. The following year it created the first Memorial Day celebration in Seattle. Information about these posts, which disappeared as veterans died, is often scarce. Descendants' groups, such as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, carry on some of the responsibilities of the old posts, but relatively little is known about the veterans who started it all.