Department of the Columbia (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War)

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War solemnly recognizes the death of sitting Massachusetts Department Commander Stuart “Chip” Chambers on 3 February 2021. Brother Chambers is the first Department Commander in recent memory to pass away while actively performing the duties and responsibilities of his office. As such, it is fitting we mark this somber and singular occasion.

Gov. Isaac Stevens Camp No. 1 of Olympia, WA

With a date of rank of June 10, 1995, this camp serves the 19 counties of Western Washington.

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Fort Walla Walla Camp No. 3 of Kennewick, WA

With a date of rank of March 30, 2015, this camp serves the 20 counties of Eastern Washington.

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Col. Edward D. Baker Camp No. 6

With a date of rank of November 20, 2004, this camp serves the state of Oregon.

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Gen. George Wright Camp No. 1865

With a date of rank of October 6, 2015, this camp serves the state of Alaska.

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Sons of Veterans Reserve

The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW).

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Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

The Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is the female counterpart to the SUVCW.

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The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of heroes who fought and worked to save the Union during the American Civil War. Organized in 1881 and chartered by Congress in 1954, we are the legal successor to the Grand Army of the Republic. More historical information can be found here. Our Principles, Vision, Purpose, and Mission can be found here. The Department of the Columbia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Department of the Columbia oversees camps and SUVCW members in the Pacific Northwest, covering Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. A roster of our current Department officers can be found here.

SUVCW members enjoy fellowship and engage in many projects to preserve the memory of those who served the Union. We also work to educate the next generation about the Civil War and its impact on our nation. Click here to find a Camp near you and join us!

Join us! Our main path to SUVCW membership is to be a male descendant of a Union veteran from the Civil War. (Females are invited to join the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, also listed here.) However, you can also join as an Associate if you are not descended from a Union Veteran. Details about hereditary vs. associate membership are available here.

Click here to find your camp and follow the instructions from your Camp page to join or just to learn more. If you are not sure which camp applies to you, or if you have other questions about joining, e-mail us at join@suvpnw.org and we will assist you.

Graves Registration Project and Last Soldier Project

We locate the final resting places of all Union Civil War Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, in our area and enter that into our authoritative database for researchers. We also locate and appropriately mark the final resting place of the last Union Civil War Veteran buried in each county/borough and in each state.

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Monument Protection and Preservation

As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), preservation and protection of GAR monuments and memorials is one of the most important purposes of the SUVCW. The purpose of this program is to physically search out, inspect, and catalog each and every GAR and Civil War monument and memorial that can be found.

Graves Preservation

We ascertain the condition of grave markers of Civil War veterans, and work with proper authorities to repair or replace them. When the grave of a Civil War veteran is unmarked, or a grave marker needs to be replaced, we assist in obtaining a new federal grave marker.

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Fellowship and Fraternity

Members of the SUVCW refer to each other as "Brothers". We are part of a long tradition of service and camaraderie. We meet and work with our fellow Brothers at the Camp level, and there are opportunities to meet at the Department and National levels as well.