The veteran organization Grand Army of the Republic was formed in 1866 in this city.
New York
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Springfield, Illinois
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Springfield, Illinois. The veteran organization Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was formed in Springfield, Illinois, in 1866. The patriotic organization of U.S. Civil War veterans who served in Federal forces was formed to protect the interests of the veterans. The GAR had a peak membership of more than 400,000 in 1890 and was a powerful political influence. The organization was dissolved in 1956.