Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the chartering of this camp back in 1996. However, this camp was first chartered in 1884 as a camp of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). Today, the Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp, #443 is one of 11 camps in the Department of Illinois for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). It is the only SUVCW camp in southern Illinois.
The SUVCW is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of heroes who fought and worked to save the Union. In 1881, the GAR formed the SUVCW as the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America (SV) to carry on its traditions and memory long after the GAR ceased to exist. It became the SUVCW in name in 1925 and is the legal successor to the GAR, first founded in 1866.
Upcoming events
*Next camp meeting will be Aug. 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. Shiloh Valley Community Center 7 Park Drive Shiloh, IL 62269.
Upcoming event – The Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 is participating in the St. Clair County Fair Thursday July 30 through Saturday Aug. 1. Called Fair St. Clair, this is the first time in 12 years that the county has held a county fair. The camp will have a booth located inside and to the right (west wall) as you enter the main entrance of the Exposition Center at the St. Clair County Fairgrounds in Belleville. The hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. If you are in the area, please stop by.
*Civil War Timeline from the National Park Service
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