Honoring the Legacy: The History of the United Confederate Veterans & Sons of Confederate Veterans

The United Confederate Veterans (UCV): A Legacy of Brotherhood

Following the War Between the States, Confederate veterans sought to maintain the bonds of brotherhood, honor their fallen comrades, and provide aid to fellow veterans in need. In 1889, the United Confederate Veterans (UCV) was formed as a national organization to bring together local Confederate veteran associations across the South.

The UCV functioned much like the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) did for Union veterans, organizing reunions, erecting monuments, and preserving Confederate history. The group was structured into local camps, state divisions, and a national organization, with annual reunions that drew thousands of veterans well into the early 20th century. The UCV also advocated for pensions, veteran relief programs, and the preservation of Southern heritage.

As the last veterans passed away, the UCV recognized the need for a new generation to carry on its work. In 1896, the UCV helped establish the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) as its successor organization, ensuring that the legacy of the Confederate soldier would live on through his descendants.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV): Defending History Since 1896

The Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded in Richmond, Virginia, on July 1, 1896, by the UCV, entrusting the SCV with the responsibility of preserving and defending the history, character, and sacrifices of Confederate soldiers.

For over 125 years, the SCV has remained committed to its mission by:

• Preserving Confederate history and artifacts through research, publications, and museum support.
  
  

• Defending Confederate monuments and gravesites from removal and desecration.
  
  

• Educating the public about the causes, battles, and legacy of the War Between the States.
  
  

• Commemorating Confederate veterans through ceremonies, memorial services, and reenactments.
  
  

Today, the SCV continues the work of the UCV, standing as the foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of Southern heritage. With camps across the United States and beyond, members actively promote the true history of the Confederacy, ensuring that the stories of their ancestors are never forgotten.

The Charge of Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee

Upon the founding of the SCV, Lt. Gen. Stephen Dill Lee, a veteran of the Confederate Army and an early leader in the UCV, delivered this charge to all future members of the SCV:

📜 “To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles he loved and which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations.” – Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, 1906

This charge remains the guiding principle of the SCV today, inspiring members to defend truth, honor the past, and ensure that Confederate history is preserved for generations to come.

Join Us in Preserving the Legacy

The Williamson County Grays, Camp #502, is proud to continue the mission set forth by the UCV and the SCV. If you share our commitment to honoring the Confederate soldier and defending Southern heritage, we invite you to stand with us. Together, we will ensure that their legacy endures.