After the Civil War, the fate of Andersonville prison site was not clear. In 1896, the property was given to an organization called the Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC), an auxiliary group of the Union veterans organization, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The WRC was tasked with preserving and beautifying the site. The women quickly set about transforming the neglected property, formerly the site of tremendous suffering, into a place of commemoration and reflection.

This badge is currently on display in our temporary exhibit featuring these dedicated women. Worn by members of the WRC, it features the Maltese Cross attached to a bar with a red, white and blue ribbon. At the center of the cross the badge features five figures who are flanked by two American flags and wreathed with stars. The figures represent: the Goddess of Liberty, a soldier, a boy, a woman, and a child.

The soldier symbolizes fraternity. As an auxiliary group of the GAR, the WRC sought to acknowledge the tradition of brotherhood. The boy symbolizes loyalty to the United States of America, and hope for the future of the country. The woman represents motherhood, giving, mercy and charity. The child is emblematic of the WRC’s dedication to inspiring patriotism in future generations. The cross also features the year the WRC was founded, 1883 and the letters “FCL” which stand for “Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,” the motto of the WRC.

Come take a look at this item and others related to the WRC at the temporary “Women Who Saved Andersonville” exhibit currently on display in the National Prisoner of War Museum.