Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall
March 8, 2010
1. Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall Marker
In 1866 northern Civil War veterans organized the Grand Army of the Republic to fight for veterans' pensions and other benefits. Michigan's first chapter was formed the next year. National membership peaked in 1890 with 409,489 men, while Michigan's rolls crested in 1889 with more than 21,000 members. In its heyday, the G.A.R. was a powerful political pressure group. The society also provided food and clothing for indigent widows and orphans. The last state encampment was held in 1948.
Reverse:
Marshall's Civil War veterans organized a Grand Army of the Republic chapter in 1883. They built this handsome red-brick structure as their headquarters in 1902. It was named for Marshall's Corporal Calvin Colegrove, color-bearer for the Michigan First Infantry, who was killed at the first Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. The memorial hall, built at a cost of $3,000, served C. Colegrove Post No. 166 until the late 1930s. In 1977 the Marshall Historical Society purchased it for one dollar to house its archives.
Erected 1983 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number 1051.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations •
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Location. 42° 16.32′ N, 84° 57.308′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is on Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rendezvous Encampment (here, next to this marker); "Old Territorial Road" (within shouting distance of this marker); The United States Bicentennial 1776-1976 (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); Sidney Ketchum (1797-1862) / Marshall House (within shouting distance of this marker); Oliver C. Comstock Jr. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Howard F. Young / Postmasters (about 600 feet away); Mansion St. (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
March 8, 2010
2. Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall Marker
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 9, 2013
3. Marshall Grand Army of the Republic Encampment memorial
See the nearby Rendezvous Encampment Marker.
March 8, 2010
4. Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall Marker
Photographed By John Garman, May 30, 2023
5. Grand Army of the Republic / The G.A.R. Hall Marker
This view is looking west along Michigan Avenue. The building is now used as a museum and houses the archives of the Michigan Chapter of the G.A.R.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,556 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2010. 3. submitted on March 11, 2013, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. 4. submitted on March 8, 2010. 5. submitted on June 10, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
