News Release

Program Grand Army of the Repiblic

Date: May 24, 2022
Contact: Troy Banzhaf, 479-451-8122

Pea Ridge National Military Park Hosts  

Grand Army of the Republic Program 

On Saturday, May 28, Pea Ridge NMP will host members of “Post #37,” a living history organization representing Union veterans of the Civil War, in their recreation of an 1898 veterans’ reunion and encampment at the historic Elkhorn Tavern. 

“Post #37” represents Union veterans of the Civil War who, under the umbrella of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), played an important role in late 19^th-century politics, in fostering patriotism and good citizenship, and in establishing a national policy for the commemoration and remembrance of their comrades and their sacrifices. 

“Since the Grand Army of the Republic was the first national organization to establish an annual day of remembrance known as Commemoration Day, later renamed ‘Memorial Day,’” said Kip Lindberg, the event organizer, “offering this program to visitors on the Pea Ridge Battlefield and on Memorial Day weekend has very special meaning to us.” 

In addition to explaining the Grand Army of the Republic, and its role in establishing a national Memorial Day, “Post #37” members will offer visitors the opportunity to join them for first-person "guided tours," of the area around the Elkhorn tavern, with the “veterans” retelling their experiences of the battle. Tours will be offered on the hour between 10AM and 4PM and will last approximately 30 minutes. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring drinking water, bug repellant and walking shoes. 

Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves and commemorates the March 7-8, 1862 battle that helped Union forces maintain physical and political control of the state of Missouri. Administered by the National Park Service, the 4,300 acre battlefield is located 10 miles north of Rogers, just off US Highway 62.