HISTORY OF CAMP 2

Our camp is named for Lieutenant Commander Edward Lea USN, who served as the executive officer of the U.S.S. Harriet Lane. He and his commanding officer, Jonathan Wainwright, were both killed during the Battle of Galveston in January, 1863.  LCDR Lea is buried in Galveston’s Episcopal Cemetery.

On July 16, 1994, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War granted a provisional charter for the Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lea Camp No. 2 in Houston. From an initial seven members in 1994, membership more than tripled by 1996, and the Lea Camp’s charter was made permanent. During the same period, other camps were organized in Texas and Oklahoma and, in May 1995, the Lea Camp joined with them to establish the Department of the Southwest.

In 1996 Camp 2 sponsored a local branch of the Ladies Auxiliary to the SUVCW.  On December 7, 1996 the National Auxiliary officially chartered Edward Lea Auxiliary No. 1, which was later renamed Sarah Emma Seelye Ladies Auxiliary #1. Beginning with seven members the Auxiliary gained new recruits over the years and has steadfastly supported the many activities of the Camp, while faithfully championing the mission of the SUVCW. 

Today, Camp 2 is over 100-members strong and is the largest camp in the Department of Texas and Louisiana.  We work hand-in-hand with the Ladies Auxiliary, the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW) and the Sons of Veterans Reserve to accomplish our collective mission to honor the memory of Union veterans, and all veterans of our great nation.

In August, 2025 Houston was the host city for the 144th annual National Encampment of the SUVCW, the first time a National Encampment has been held in the state of Texas.

CLICK HERE to read a detailed history prepared by Camp Historian Michael Lance, PDC.

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We are members of your community.  We are your friends and neighbors.

We invite you to join us in our cause.

Fraternity – Charity – Loyalty