A Brief History

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was a creation of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in 1866. Wanting to pass on it's heritage, the GAR in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania created a Corps of Cadets in 1878 which later became Sons of Veterans of the United States (SV). This latter organization was formed in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1881. The SV units functioned much like National Guard Units and actually served along with State Militia during the Spanish American War.

In 1904 the SV elected to become a patriotic education society and in 1925 changed it's name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). However, to keep the military aspect of the organization alive, the SUVCW created within the organization the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR), which was carried on Army rolls as a Reserve Contingent. Some SVR units served with the Army during World War One. After World War One, the SVR was listed as a training company of the U.S. Army.

In more recent years, the SVR's mission has become historic, ceremonial, and commemorative. Prior to disbanding and before the death of it's last member, the GAR officially designated teh SUVCW as it's successor and heir to it's remaining property. On August 24, 1954 the SUVCW was officially incorportated by an Act of Congress by the passing of Public Law 605 of the Second Session of the 83rd Congress.