Picacho Peak Camp #1, formed in 1996, is Arizona's only Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp and is composed of members throughout the state.   It meets four times per year in Phoenix, on the third Saturday of the following months:   February, May, August and November.   By attending these luncheon meetings, Brothers share their common heritage as Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), was created by the Grand Army of the Republic ( which was founded in 1866 and composed of Union veterans), on November 12, 1881, as the Sons of Veterans, U.S.A.   The name was changed in 1925 to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Its purpose and objectives are to perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union 1861 to 1865; to assist in every practicable way in the preservation and making available for research of documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members; to cooperate in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any war; to teach patriotism, and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, and the love and honor of our flag; to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to, or make for the destruction or impairment of our constitutional Union; and to teach and practice the American principles of representative government, of equal rights, and of impartial justice for all.

Eligibility to Membership .   Membership in the SUVCW and Picacho Peak Camp is open to make descendants (sons, grandsons, great grandsons, nephews , grand nephews, great grand nephews, etc.) of soldiers, sailors, or marines who were mustered into Federal service and served honorably in, were honorably discharged from or died in the service of the Union Army or Navy during the War of the rebellion, 1861-1865.   Member applicants must be at leas 14 years of age and must not have been convicted of any heinous or notorious crime (felony.   In addition, the applicant and his ancestor)s), through which eligibility is claimed, must not have ever borne arms against the U.S. Government.   Male descendants, ages 6-14 years of age may join as Juniors with the same stipulations stated above.   Those who do not have a Union ancestor may join as an Associate member.   Associates have the same privileges as a Member and must meet the eligibility requirements (except ancestor qualifications).   Associates must be 14 years old or older. Members and Juniors must submit photocopies of records that substantiate their ancestor's service.   This may be in for form of the ancestor's military discharge certificate, muster-our-report, or pension papers (available from the National Archives).

Annual dues for Members and Associates are $31.00 (prorated throughout the year ) with a $33.00 one time initiation fee which covers the members certificate, rosette and badge.   Juniors dues are $10.00.

Join Now:   Contact the Camp Junior Vice-Commander or the Camp Commander by sending a message through the contact us form on this site for more information and a membership packet.

GUESTS are always welcome.   Please contact the Secretary/Treasurer for more information.