The Grand Army of the Republic was formed after the Civil War to support and assist veterans of the Union Army. Local "posts" were formed all over the country.
Golden had its T. H. Dodd Post No. 7, G. A. R., Department of the Mountains. The Dodd Post had a strong social presence in the city for many years—even after the deaths of most of the veterans. Wives and daughters of veterans were equally active in their roles as members of the Women's Relief Corps—an auxiliary to the T.H. Dodd Post.
146 Years Ago
The May 30, 1879 Colorado Transcript wrote about that year's observance of "Decoration Day," which was the predecessor to Memorial Day. The article remarked that the Post had been newly formed and was not yet able to organize a parade, but they were planning a meeting to observe the event. Edward Berthoud would deliver a eulogy for "the soldiers of Jefferson county, who have answered to the roll-call of death."
The article encouraged people who knew of any unmarked veterans' graves to notify the post, so they could provide an appropriate marker.
This is a matter of importance, and should be attended to at once.
