Grand Army of the Republic Kepi Cap

Item — Box: 23.2, Object: 3

Identifier: 23.2.3

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Michael Dougherty Collection includes documents, personal letters, and artifacts related to the life and military service of Private Michael Dougherty of Company B, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Dougherty was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War, specifically for his actions at the Battle of Jefferson, Virginia, in 1863. The collection documents his experiences as a prisoner of war in Andersonville and other Confederate prisons, highlighting the challenges faced during his 23 months of captivity.

Among the items in the collection are two Medal of Honor certificates, the first from 1897 and a reissue from 1927, as well as Dougherty’s medals, letters, diaries, and official documents, including his naturalization and pension certificates. The collection also includes a letter documenting his participation in the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Dates

1859 - 1911

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library (archive@grundylibrary.org) for information about accessing this collection.

Biographical / Historical

This kepi cap belonged to Michael Dougherty, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), has no visible insignia, making its specific date of use unclear. The manufacturer’s mark inside indicates it was made by Charles Naylor of Philadelphia. Caps like this were commonly worn during commemorative events by veterans of the Union Army.