After the Civil War, thousands of veterans from both sides moved west, according to Idaho State Historical Society documents. About 1,000 settled in Idaho. Boise has its own remnants of the conflict. One of the most notable: The G.A.R. Hall north of the Capitol.
Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for veterans of the Union Army, U.S. Navy, Marines and Revenue Cutter Service, built the hall in 1892, about three decades after the war ended.
They named it for Union General Philip Sheridan. Sheridan is known for defeating Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley - through the use of scorched-earth tactics.
The University of Idaho now has offices in the hall, at 714 W. State St., but the G.A.R. insignia remains on the facade.
While you're in the neighborhood, walk across the street to the lawn of the state Capitol. You'll find another G.A.R. monument "lovingly erected and dedicated by the ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic."
They dedicated the monument in 1935, 70 years after the war ended - the same span of time that now separates us from World War II.
Idaho's last living Civil War veteran, Israel Broadsword, died in 1952.
- Reminder: Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the day Lincoln signed the law that created the Idaho Territory on Monday at the Idaho State Capitol. Gov. Butch Otter will make remarks on the Capitol steps at noon. Other festivities begin at 11 a.m.
Anna Webb: 377-6431
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