26th National Encampment of the G.A.R. Printed silk ribbon with fringe and brass-colored metal suspension bar with original pin and loop. Approx. 2 1/2 x 6 in. Framed to 8 x 10 in. 

Provenance: Frederick "Frank" Logan Collection

A ribbon for the Wilson Post No. 1 of the G.A.R. from Baltimore, Maryland. This ribbon was made for the 26th National Encampment of the G.A.R. that took place on 20 September 1892 in Washington, D.C. The ribbon features the portrait of Col. John W. Wilson, who was killed in action. 

Wilson, born on 2 February 1828, enlisted as a captain for Company G of the 1st Maryland on 27 May 1861. During his tenure, he was promoted to major, lieutenant colonel and eventually colonel by 1864. He was captured during the Battle of Front Royal in 1862 and escaped. On 6 February 1865, just days after his 37th birthday, Wilson was shot in the head and killed in action at the Battle of Hatcher's Run. 

The G.A.R. was a fraternal organization established in 1866 as a group for veterans of the United States Army, Navy, and Marines who served during the Civil War. It began in Illinois and grew throughout the North and West before dissolving with the death of its last member in 1956. During its time as an active organization, its political influence and power was notable, assisting in the elections of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, and McKinley. 

The G.A.R. hosted National Encampments every year to serve as reunions and a meeting place for organization-based decisions. Famously attracting thousands, the meetings were a momentous occasion for their host cities. Washington, D.C., would serve as the host city for the National Encampments five different times, including the 26th as denoted by this ribbon. 

From the collection of Frederick "Frank" Logan. Frank Logan was a dedicated Civil War enthusiast and respected member of the collecting community. He began his lifelong passion for Civil War history as a relic hunter in the mid-1970s. Over the decades, that early interest grew into a deep passion for all aspects of the Civil War, with his collecting efforts eventually centering on Maryland-related artifacts and material culture.

A member of the Maryland Arms Collectors Association, he was well regarded among fellow collectors for his knowledge and appreciation of historical artifacts. Carefully assembled over many years, his collection reflects decades of searching, study, and a genuine dedication to preserving pieces of American Civil War history.

[Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic] [Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges, Ribbons]