Question: What is or was the Union League? I have a medal issued by this group.
Answer: The Union League was active during the Civil War. The group was founded in Philadelphia on December 27, 1862, with the purpose of promoting patriotism and loyalty to the Union cause. At the time there were many Northerners who were sympathetic to the interests of the Confederacy. Within two years the Union League had branches in various cities and had helped raised 15 military regiments for active duty. Several varieties of tokens and medalets bear imprints relating to the Union League, including pieces that seem to have been issued by the shop of Key in Philadelphia.
