These Unique Images From 1890 To 1950 Show The Last Civil War Warriors

Following the end of the war, over a 1.5million unions, as well as confederate veterans, became involved in various active post-war societies to help drive the nation’s purpose to the desired goal. 

After the civil war, different veteran associations were established, they were created for different reasons and members. Some of these associations were started by survivors of specific armies, corps, regiments, or even companies, others were formed by men living in a single town or county, while others were started by special groups like prisoners of war or members of the signal corps; however, they were only two organizations who were in control.

RELATED: The American Civil War In Photos 1861-1865

The former Yankees Association was linked to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and had about 400,000 members after its creation in 1866. Twenty years after its creation, the association attained the maximum of its membership. 

On the other hand, The United Confederate Veterans (UCV) was formed after smaller associations came together in 1889 and by 1900, the association took pride in 160,000 members. The GAR and UCV assembled at the national, state, and local levels, with the local “posts” displaying the names of famous generals or local heroes.

To aid the affair of the GAR and UCV, some prints of “soldiers’ newspapers” were produced. Publishing companies such as the American Tribune, National Tribune, and Ohio Soldier printed war history reports from soldiers’ reunions, and information about pensions for GAR members, while the Confederate Veteran was the official print house of the UCV for forty years.

Remembrance Day parades and speeches reminded Americans of the Civil War veterans who were well-known men as their grey beards had become obvious, elegant bearings, and bittersweet memories of lost comrades. They were famous members of the veterans’ association and participants in Memorial Day commemorations and July Fourth celebrations.

Despite the success of the civil war veterans in other fields such as business, politics, and life, the majority were convinced the war on the other hand helped in furthering them from attaining their goals of economic success. 

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