Thirteenth Reunion Images

Web Author's Notes:
Below are images of the 22nd National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic (G. A. R.) held at Columbus, Ohio, September 12 - 14, 1888. This is where the 16th Ohio held its 13th reunion. The location would have been particularly meaningful to the regiment as this is where the soldiers were first formed into the 16th Ohio and were sent off to war and where they returned, much reduced in numbers, to muster out of the army three years later.

Making the event even grander, Ohio was also celebrating its 100th centennial during September and this coincided with the G.A.R.'s Grand Encampment festivities as well as the 16th Ohio's 13th regimental reunion.

Photos of the Grand Encampment, below, are from the Columbus Public Library.

A view of Camp Neil, one of three tent camps set up to house many of the veterans attending the 22nd National Encampment in Columbus, Ohio, September 12 to 14, 1888. This camp was set up directly around Columbus's Union Depot.

Note: The webauthor notes that three distinct fields of tents are visible and speculates this photo may include all three of the tent camps, not just Camp Neil.

A closer view of veterans (unknown unit) in one of the three tent camps set up around Columbus, Ohio, to house the veterans attending the 22nd National Encampment of the G. A. R.

Another view of camp life during the reunion. Note two veterans sitting in chairs, the furthest one seems to be writing at a desk.

Another view of veterans (unknown unit) in camp, congregating around a cannon.

The entrance to Camp Neil, one of the three tent camps set up around Union Depot in Columbus to house veterans attending the 22nd National Encampment.

A G. A. R. band in front of Elsie Frech's saloon at 350 High Street, downtown Columbus. It is assumed they are preparing for the Grand Parade.

Modern day view of 350 High Street, downtown Columbus, where Elsie Frech's saloon once existed (see above photo).

A street scene showing the decorations for the 22nd National Encampment parade in downtown Columbus, mid-September, 1888.

At the head of the Grand Parade are shown dignitaries on horseback.

This photo, from the Ohio Historical Society, shows G.A.R. troops marching in parade in downtown Columbus. It is not known, but assumed this parade occurred at the start of the 22nd National G. A. R. encampment, being part of the Grand Parade, however, it could have occurred a few days earlier at the opening of the Ohio Centennial Exposition which was taking place at the same time.

A parade float replicating a Union ironclad gunboat.

An interesting view of a primary Columbus street during the 22nd National G. A. R. Encampment.

A view of the street during the 22nd National Encampment.

Ribbon issued to 16th Ohio veterans at the 22nd National Encampment and the regiment's 13th annual reunion.