Interracial Civil War Veterans Org~ Grand Army Republic

The Sumner Post originally served as home for the local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic, an interracial Civil War veterans' organization. With a national membership of 500,000. GAR was as important in its time as the American Legion.

Join historic Preservationist Leslie Raimond and The Gist of Freedom Host and Filmmaker, Gary Jenkins for a candid conversation about GAR and one of it's restoration projects.

For more information on the GAR building and plans for its future, or to contribute to its restoration call Ms. Raimond

at 410-778-1149.

The national organization accepted members of both races. Built by Frank and Jesse Duyer in 1908, is one of two black GAR buildings still standing. At best estimates, some 400 black soldiers from Kent County served with the Union army during the Civil War. The funds will be used to purchase and restore the early 20th-century building at 206 S. Queen St. that was once a meeting place for black Civil War veterans from Kent County. Raimond also credited "leaders of the African American Community, Town of Chestertown, Kent County Department of Tourism and Economic Development, Main Street Historic Chestertown