Description
Founded in 1886, Camp Benson served as an encampment ground for members of the Civil War veteran's group, the Grand Army Republic (GAR). Some individual GAR posts such as the Stephen Davis GAR Post #11 from nearby Pittsfield, had their own cottages there for member use, but the majority of the camp was owned by individuals in the GAR.
Camp Benson had two annual events: the 4th of July and the mid-August encampments. In addition to traditional military activities, children's events, baseball games and dances were held. People accessed the camp by ferry from the railroad station in the village of Newport.
View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network.