In 1918, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) held their annual state-wide encampment in Tacoma's newly built Elks Temple. This national organization founded by Union veterans of the American Civil War was highly influential and well known in its day, but the GAR has been largely forgotten over time. Thousands of Civil War veterans made Washington their home in the decades after the conflict. GAR members included important civic and business leaders, who played a vital role in the development of emerging towns and cities in Washington during the late 1800s.

Historian Richard Heisler recounts the GAR encampment at Tacoma's Elks Temple with details about the organization, their advocacy for veterans, widows, and orphans of the Civil War, and their creation of patriotic traditions still practiced in America today.

Richard Heisler is the founder of Civil War Seattle and Seattle History Tours. He has presented for the Bothell Historical Society, Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, and Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable, among other organizations. Richard is a contributing writer for Emerging Civil War and has been featured in the Seattle Times, KIRO Radio, Pacific NW Magazine and more. He has been a Seattle resident for over 30 years.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp