The current building is actually the fourth and the most grand of the locations of the club at the corner of Park Avenue and East 37th Street. The building is the design of Benjamin Wistar Morris and was opened in 1931. I have previously shared my visits with the equally historic club in Philadelphia. 

The Union League was founded during the Civil War, and those roots are evident in many of the historical artifacts and paintings, including portraits of such heroes as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry.

One of the more unique artifacts is a period work showing John Brown with a lock of his hair taken at the time of his burial.

Another favorite of mine is a painting by the sculptor Frederic Remington. It is a picture of Union troops out West called the Whiskey Mules (after a trick used by troops to send mules with whiskey to intoxicate indians before they attacked). It is a rare example of Remington’s style as a painter but also a testament to his extraordinary gifts.

There are also works by Thomas Nast, considered the “Father of the American Cartoon” and a member of the Union League Club. He was also a Radical Republican and was committed to the Union cause against slavery. Notably, both the Club and Nast were fierce opponents of the corrupt administration of “Boss” Tweed and the Tammany Hall Democratic Party political machine. (Unfortunately, the lighting was not great for these pictures):

The club is honeycombed with gracious rooms with soaring windows and carved staircases.

The Union League was a major player in local and national politics, with various presidents since Lincoln staying at the club and sitting for portraits. These paintings include some now priceless works created by artists who were also members. The club also helped establish the United States Sanitary Commission, which ultimately became the American Red Cross.

This painting shows the outfitting of the two African-American regiments  by the Club in one of its earlier locations:

The club played a significant role in our history. Not long after its founding, New York erupted in the Draft Riots by those who opposed the Civil War, including those who favored slavery. The club was an immediate target of the mob, but its members held off the attack by barricading the club and creating a line of armed defenders. This was the first Union League building:

The Club has a proud history of fighting for the emancipation of slaves and later the protection of black Americans from the Ku Klux Klan. They organized shelters and armed defense of freed slaves. Its members would later help fund major New York sites from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to Grant’s Tomb.

A visit to the Union League is like a walk through American history. It is a genteel gem of an earlier and elegant period of Americana. The club still follows its traditions, banning cellphones and requiring proper dress at dinner.

Its current members and staff are custodians of this landmark and maintain it with obvious pride and love. We owe them a great debt not only for the important role that the Club has played in our history, but also for the preservation of this unique place. They allow non-members to stay, though you require a referral from a club member.

Thank you to the Union League for a wonderful visit and event.