G.A.R. Question

[Rmhisteach]

I did a post war veteran impression at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha , WI . I had a question come up that I did not have an answer for . The lady asked me if Colored troops were in the GAR and was it segregated . I told her in First person that were I am from there are not Black folks and that in the army was were I saw a balck man for the first time . I then wondered if and how Black troops were in the GAR. Any sahring of info and research would be appreciated .

RM

[Michael Comer]

Re: G.A.R. Question

Rod,

Black veterans were allowed in the GAR. In some instances they were in segregated posts but in others they were assimiliated. I believe it was up to the inidvidual post. The GAR also supported and lobbied for voting rights for black veterans.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: G.A.R. Question

Wow that was quick. MIke you are a plethora of information ! . Thanks . I kinda thought that since. The GAR post was a local / Neigborhood or community based group that it would depend on where you lived. Thanks Buddy !

[Phelps' Reg't]

Re: G.A.R. Question

Mike is quite right. In fact, there is a relatively new book on this very subject:

The Won Cause: Black and White Comradeship in the Grand Army of the Republic, by Barbara Gannon, University of North Carolina Press, 2011.

A well researched and interesting work.


Jeff Patrick

[Rmhisteach]

Re: G.A.R. Question

Thanks Jeff , I had wondered if there was such a book .

[FlatLandFed]

Re: G.A.R. Question

Gents,
Please see also the November 2011 edition of "The American Legion Magazine" for an article by Ms. Gannon -- "Bound by a tie others know not: The Grand Army of the Republic served as a model for the Legion and other veterans groups."
There was a former slave named Robert Ball Anderson who escaped, fought for the Union, then settled in the Midwest, eventually becoming one of the largest land owners/ranchers in western Nebraska. I have a photo somewhere of him with his G.A.R. Post, where at that time he was the color bearer. Not sure what other ranks he held.
In FCL,
Paul Hadley