Dane County Grand Army of the Republic

The Grand Army of the Republic in Madison

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization founded in 1866 for Union Army veterans of the Civil War. Cassius Fairchild Post #1 was the first GAR post in Wisconsin. It was chartered in Madison on June 10, 1866, with 17 members. In addition, Madison was home to Lucius Fairchild Post #11 of the GAR, named after the post-Civil War governor of Wisconsin and GAR member. 

Although a physical “Madison branch” of the Grand Army of the Republic no longer exists as an active organization, the legacy of the GAR’s presence in Madison is preserved through historical records and local landmarks. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), which is recognized as the legal successor to the GAR, carries on the traditions and legacy of the original organization. 
Lucius Fairchild Post of the Grand Army of the Republic taken in 1910 in front of the Elks Club building

Lucius Fairchild Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, taken in 1910 in front of the Elks Club building. The corner of Dane County GAR Memorial Hall is visible on the far right.

Six men with a flag in front of Grand Army Hall, 118 Monona Avenue, (Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard). Taken as publicity for the motion picture "Forgotten Man." Includes: John Skagen, Orin Brigham, Horace Goetstein, past commanders, H.E. Hebblethwaite, commander, Edward "Ace" Fischer, incoming commander, and another man.

Six men with a flag in front of Grand Army Hall, 118 Monona Avenue, (Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard). The photo was taken as publicity for the motion picture “Forgotten Man.” It includes John Skagen, Orin Brigham, Horace Goetstein, past commanders, H.E. Hebblethwaite, the current commander, Edward “Ace” Fischer, the incoming commander, and another man.

Dane County GAR Memorial Hall 1987

Dane County GAR Memorial Hall in 1987. The building, designed by August Kutzbock, was located at 118 Monona Avenue (Now MLK Jr Blvd) in Madison. Ultimately, it was demolished in 1973 to make way for a parking lot.

The November 21, 1973 WSJ article about the demolition of the GAR Building to make way for the Bank of Madison.

The November 21, 1973 WSJ article about the demolition of the GAR Building to make way for the Bank of Madison expansion.