During many formations of veteran communities after the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic was founded on April 6, 1866, under Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson. As a de facto arm of the Republican Party, the Brotherhood grew up in the political power struggles of the reconstruction period. However, as Republican interest in Southern reform waned, the GAR also stumbled in the early 1870s and many local settlements were abandoned.

In the 1880s, a revival of the Brotherhood began under new leadership, which led to strong growth. Also, during this time, the pension for Civil War veterans was enforced. In the course of the reconstruction, many African-American veterans also joined the community, who had previously been granted the right to vote by the GAR. However, it failed to enforce these pensions for the colored war veterans.

As the number of members increased, so did the political influence. From Ulysses S. Grant to William McKinley, the Brotherhood helped various U.S. presidents into office. Five Civil War veterans and members of the Grant Army of Republic were elected president during this time. They were all Republicans. During this time, it was impossible to become the Republican candidate for president or the US Congress without the support of the GAR.

From 1866 to 1949, the members held an annual meeting with celebration and parade. At the last meeting in 1949, the remaining members voted to keep the current board members until the end. After the death of the last Civil War veteran in 1956, the organization was dissolved.

Here is an almost complete collection of the decorations of this organization.