100th Anniversary of When Lorain Hosted the Ohio G.A.R.

Did you know that today was a very big day for Lorain 100 years ago today, June 19, 1911?

Lorain was the host city for the Ohio Grand Army of the Republic encampment. During the event, six state conventions were held by patriotic organizations associated with the G.A.R.

The encampment attracted more than 15,000 visitors to Lorain.

Why was the event so special? In 1911, it had been 50 years since the the Civil War started, and the majority of the veterans were around 70 years of age.  That's why the city was determined to make sure the encampment was a success. As The Lorain Times-Herald pointed out, "Lorain will never entertain the old soldiers again and there will be few more encampments in the state or the country."

I'll have more on the G.A.R. encampment all this week in honor of this great event.