The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
General George H. Thomas Camp No. 19
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the heroes who fought and worked to save the Union. Organized in 1881 and chartered by Congress in 1954, the SUVCW is the legal successor to the Grand Army of the Republic. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, gifts to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War are tax-deductible.
The SUVCW National Headquarters is located in the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Here in Lancaster, the General George H. Thomas, Camp 19, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was chartered on February 13, 1889, and there has been an active Camp in Lancaster ever since. Please contact Camp Commander Scott Fasnacht if you are interested in membership ub the order or learning more about the SUVCW.
Lancaster Cemetery
The Lancaster Cemetery is a 20-acre, Victorian-era cemetery in Lancaster, PA, that was established in 1846 by the First Reformed Church of Lancaster. Today, the Lancaster Cemetery remains a functioning cemetery and a fascinating representation of Victorian values and sentiment.
This charming fragment of the nineteenth century brings us vividly in touch with the philosophy and ideals of our forebears. Much symbolism and beuaty remain on the artfully carved memorials—the flaming torch of knowledge, the rose with a broken stem, the open Bible, and allegorical figures representing wisdom and faithfulness, to name a few.
The remains of many distinguished Lancaster citizens can be found here, statesmen, soldiers, educators, religious leaders, musicians, and community benefactors. The cemetery’s Veteran Stone Project has confirmed nearly 1,400 US Veterans who are at rest here.
A non-profit organization, the cemetery runs on the skills, efforts, and donations of its friends and neighbors. To learn more about the cemetery or its volunteer opportunities, contact the cemetery office.