Civil War Veterans at the White House

Gallery

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A crowd gathers in front of the presidential reviewing stand during the Grand Review in May 1865.
Library of Congress
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The 1892 Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Encampment in Washington, D.C., on the modern-day Ellipse, then known as the White Lot, with the Washington Monument in the background.
Library of Congress
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President Warren G. Harding greets Confederate veterans from Mississippi visiting the White House on June 23, 1922.
Library of Congress
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First Lady Florence Harding greets Confederate veterans from Mississippi from the West Colonnade of the White House, June 23, 1922.
Library of Congress
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Grand Army of the Republic Veterans visit the White House, March 18, 1929.
Library of Congress
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Samuel Rinnah Van Sant and James E. Jewel, both prominent leaders within Union veteran organizations, visited the White House in January 1931.
Library of Congress

About this Gallery

In May 1865, at the close of hostilities, a Grand Review throughout Washington, D.C., exhibited parading Union troops from the Eastern and Western Theaters of the Civil War. For numerous Civil War veterans, this was their last memorable act as soldiers, as many were soon mustered out of service and began civilian life. After the last Civil War veterans passed away throughout the 1950s, commemoration of their service continued through ceremonies commemorating their bravery.