Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp Chapters in Louisiana
The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Louisiana Division oversees multiple local camp chapters across the state. Membership is open to male descendants of Confederate veterans who served honorably, with documented genealogical proof required. Louisiana camps preserve Confederate heritage through memorial services, grave marker dedications, and historical preservation projects throughout the state.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), Louisiana Division |
| Eligibility | Male descendants (lineal or collateral) of honorably discharged Confederate veterans |
| Minimum Age | 12 years for full membership; no minimum for Cadet program |
| Application | Submit membership pamphlet with genealogy chart and service proof |
| Processing Time | Varies by camp; typically 2-6 weeks |
| Official Website | scv.org (national); lascv.com (Louisiana Division) |
| Required Documents | Completed application, lineage chart, proof of ancestor’s service |
| Dues | Approximately $35-40 annually plus recording fee |
| Updated For | 2025 |
What Is the Sons of Confederate Veterans?
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a hereditary organization founded in 1896 for male descendants of Confederate soldiers, sailors, and government officials. The SCV operates as the direct heir to the United Confederate Veterans, making it the oldest hereditary organization of its kind in the United States.
The organization focuses on preserving the history and legacy of Confederate veterans through educational programs, historical preservation, and memorial activities. While the SCV maintains a national headquarters in Columbia, Tennessee, operations are organized through state divisions and local camps.
Why this matters: Understanding the SCV’s structure helps prospective members identify the right camp chapter for their location and genealogical connection.
How SCV Camp Chapters Are Organized in Louisiana
Louisiana SCV camps operate under the Louisiana Division, which serves as the state-level administrative body. Each local camp functions semi-autonomously while adhering to the national SCV Constitution and Standing Orders.
The Louisiana Division publishes “The Louisiana True Delta,” the official division newsletter, and coordinates statewide events including annual reunions and memorial services.
Louisiana Division Leadership
The Louisiana Division maintains elected officers including a Division Commander, Lieutenant Commander, and various committee chairs. The division oversees camp activities, approves new camp charters, and coordinates statewide initiatives.
Local Camp Structure
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityEach local camp elects its own officers, including:
Camp Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Adjutant (records keeper)
Treasurer
Chaplain
Historian
Individual camps determine their own meeting schedules, typically gathering monthly or quarterly for business meetings, educational programs, and social events.
Louisiana SCV Camp Chapters by Region
Louisiana hosts multiple SCV camps distributed across the state. While the exact number fluctuates as camps form and consolidate, several long-established camps serve major regions.
Northwest Louisiana Camps
Major Thomas McGuire Camp #1714 (West Monroe)
This camp serves the Monroe-West Monroe metropolitan area and surrounding Ouachita Parish communities. The camp participates in grave marker dedications and historical preservation projects.
Thomas O. Benton Camp #1444 (Monroe)
Named for a local Confederate veteran, this camp focuses on preserving northeast Louisiana’s Civil War heritage.
Central Louisiana Camps
Captain John McKoin Camp #1912 (Bonita)
Serving Morehouse Parish and surrounding areas, this camp conducts memorial services and educational programs.
The 2026 Louisiana Division Reunion will be held in Alexandria, central to many of these camps.
South Louisiana Camps
Captain Leonidas Polk Camp #381 (Bastrop)
This camp honors the memory of Confederate veterans from the Bastrop area and participates in regional heritage events.
Historical Camps
Camp Beauregard #130 (New Orleans)
One of Louisiana’s oldest documented camps, Camp Beauregard was established around 1906 and remains historically significant. The camp’s 1910 report is preserved in the Library of Congress collections.
SCV Membership Eligibility Requirements
Membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans is open to all male descendants of veterans who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces. This includes service in the Confederate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or government.
Who Qualifies
To qualify for SCV membership, applicants must meet these criteria:
Gender: Male (the SCV is a male-only hereditary organization)
Age: Minimum 12 years old for full membership; Cadet program available for younger boys
Lineage: Direct descendant (lineal) or indirect descendant (collateral) of a Confederate veteran
Character: Applicants must be “men of good character who emulate the best qualities of the Confederate soldier”
Documentation: Proof of ancestor’s honorable service and genealogical connection
Lineal vs. Collateral Descendants
Lineal descendants are direct descendants through parent-child relationships. For example, a great-grandson of a Confederate veteran is a lineal descendant.
Collateral descendants are related through siblings or other family branches. For example, if your great-great-uncle served in the Confederate army but your direct ancestor did not, you may still qualify as a collateral descendant.
Important: Finding a name match in historical records does not constitute proof. Applicants must use accepted genealogical research standards to demonstrate the connection.
What Does NOT Disqualify You
The SCV does not restrict membership based on:
Race
Color
Religion
National origin
Nation of citizenship
Residency
Required Documentation for SCV Membership
Applicants must provide specific documentation proving both their ancestor’s service and their genealogical connection to that ancestor.
Proof of Confederate Service
Acceptable documentation includes:
Military service records from state archives
Confederate pension records
Muster rolls showing the ancestor’s name and unit
Official Confederate government records
Most Southern state archives maintain microfilm records of soldiers who served from that state. Copies can typically be obtained for a nominal fee.
Genealogical Documentation
Applicants must submit a detailed genealogy chart showing their relationship to the Confederate ancestor. This documentation should include:
Birth certificates
Death certificates
Marriage records
Census records
Family Bible records
Other accepted genealogical evidence
Research Resources
The SCV Genealogy Committee provides free assistance to applicants compiling their family history. Additional resources include:
State libraries and archives (in-person access)
Ancestry.com (subscription required)
FamilySearch.org (free)
Fold3.com (military records, subscription required)
How to Apply for SCV Membership in Louisiana
The application process involves several steps, from determining eligibility to submitting your completed packet to a local camp.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Review the membership requirements and confirm you meet the basic criteria for SCV membership.
Step 2: Research Your Genealogy
Trace your family lineage back to a Confederate veteran using accepted genealogical standards. Document each generation connecting you to your ancestor.
Step 3: Obtain Proof of Service
Contact the appropriate state archive to obtain your ancestor’s military service record. Louisiana records are available through the Louisiana State Archives.
Step 4: Identify Your Local Camp
Determine which Louisiana SCV camp serves your area. If no local camp is nearby, you may join as a “member at-large” through the Headquarters Camp.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Fill out the membership pamphlet, including:
Personal information
Lineage chart
Camp selection
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Send your completed application, genealogy documentation, proof of service, and dues payment to your chosen camp.
Member-at-Large Option
If you do not wish to join a local camp or live outside a camp’s service area, you can become a member at-large by petitioning the Headquarters Camp, “Maj. Gen. William D. McCain Camp 584,” in Columbia, Tennessee.
Mail applications to:
SCV HQ, P.O. Box 59, Columbia, TN 38402
Include $40 ($35 dues plus $5 recording fee) with your application.
SCV Membership Costs and Dues
SCV membership requires annual dues, which vary slightly by camp and division.
Standard Dues Structure
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| National/Division Dues | $35 |
| Recording Fee | $5 |
| Total (Member-at-Large) | $40 |
Local camps may assess additional dues to fund camp activities, though these typically remain modest.
Life Membership
The Louisiana Division offers life membership options for members who prefer to pay dues in a single payment. Contact the Louisiana Division for current life membership rates.
What Louisiana SCV Camps Do
SCV camps engage in various activities focused on historical preservation, education, and memorial services.
Common Camp Activities
Grave Marker Dedications
Camps conduct formal ceremonies to dedicate Confederate grave markers, often including roll call of soldiers, family history presentations, gun salutes, taps, and retiring of colors.
Memorial Services
Camps organize and participate in memorial services honoring Confederate veterans, particularly on Confederate Memorial Day and other commemorative occasions.
Historical Preservation
Camps support preservation of Civil War battlefields, historic sites, and monuments throughout Louisiana.
Educational Programs
Many camps sponsor educational presentations, historical research, and community outreach about Civil War history.
Annual Reunions
The Louisiana Division hosts annual reunions bringing together members from across the state. The 2026 reunion will be held May 16 at the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Division-Level Programs
The Louisiana Division coordinates several statewide programs:
Division newsletter (“The Louisiana True Delta”)
Tiger Award recognition program
Division life membership
Annual convention and business meetings
Louisiana Division Reunions and Events
The Louisiana Division SCV hosts annual reunions and coordinates various events throughout the year.
2026 Louisiana Division Reunion
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | May 6, 2026 |
| Location | Hotel Bentley, Alexandria, LA |
| Room Rates | King: $119; Double Queen: $129 |
| Group Code | SCV |
| Reservations | 318-442-2226 |
For updates or corrections, contact webmaster@lascv.com.
Regular Camp Meetings
Most camps meet monthly or quarterly. Meeting formats typically include:
Social hour
Business meeting
Educational presentation or program
Fellowship
For example, some Texas camps meet on the second Tuesday of each month, with socializing at 5:30 p.m. and programs at 6:30 p.m.. Louisiana camps maintain similar schedules, though specific times vary by location.
SCV License Plates and Recognition
The SCV encourages members to display state-issued specialty license plates featuring the SCV logo, which incorporates the square Confederate Battle Flag.
Louisiana is among the states offering SCV specialty license plates, along with Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Black Rose Societies
Black Rose societies, which honor Confederate ancestors through specific memorial traditions, have been formed in several states including Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida.
Common Questions
What is the Sons of Confederate Veterans?
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a hereditary organization founded in 1896 for male descendants of Confederate veterans. It preserves the history and legacy of Confederate soldiers through memorial services, grave marker dedications, educational programs, and historical preservation. The SCV is the direct heir to the United Confederate Veterans and operates through state divisions and local camps.
Who can join the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Louisiana?
Membership is open to all male descendants of Confederate veterans who served honorably. This includes both lineal (direct) and collateral (indirect) descendants. Applicants must be at least 12 years old for full membership, though the Cadet program accommodates younger boys. The SCV does not discriminate based on race, religion, or national origin.
How do I prove my ancestor served in the Confederate military?
Obtain military service records from the state archive where your ancestor served. Louisiana records are available through the Louisiana State Archives. Confederate pension records also provide service documentation. State archives maintain microfilm records available for a nominal fee. The SCV Genealogy Committee offers free assistance with research.
How much does SCV membership cost?
Standard dues are approximately $35 annually, plus a $5 recording fee for a total of $40 for members-at-large. Local camps may assess additional dues to fund their activities. Life membership options are available through the Louisiana Division.
What happens at SCV camp meetings?
Camp meetings typically include a social hour, business meeting, and educational program or presentation. Meetings provide opportunities for fellowship, planning memorial activities, and learning about Civil War history. Most camps meet monthly or quarterly at local venues.
Can I join SCV if I don’t live near a Louisiana camp?
Yes. If no local camp is convenient, you can become a member-at-large through the Headquarters Camp in Columbia, Tennessee. Submit your application, genealogy documentation, and $40 to SCV HQ, P.O. Box 59, Columbia, TN 38402.
What documentation do I need to join SCV?
You need three main items: (1) a completed membership application, (2) a detailed genealogy chart showing your relationship to the Confederate ancestor, and (3) proof of your ancestor’s military service. Genealogical documentation should include birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and census records.
Are there SCV camps in New Orleans?
Yes. Camp Beauregard #130, established around 1906, is one of Louisiana’s historically documented SCV camps. The camp’s 1910 report is preserved in the Library of Congress. Current camp information is available through the Louisiana Division website.
What is the difference between lineal and collateral descendants?
Lineal descendants are direct descendants through parent-child relationships (e.g., great-grandson). Collateral descendants are related through siblings or other family branches (e.g., great-great-nephew). The SCV accepts both types of descendants for membership eligibility.
When is the next Louisiana Division SCV reunion?
The 2026 Louisiana Division Reunion is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria, Louisiana. The registration deadline is May 6, 2026. Room rates are $119 for King and $129 for Double Queen rooms. Use group code SCV when reserving.
Does the SCV offer scholarships?
The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), a related organization, offers scholarships including the Gertrude Botts Saucier Scholarship for students from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Applicants must be lineal descendants of eligible Confederates and meet GPA requirements. Contact the UDC for application details.
Key Takeaways
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a hereditary organization for male descendants of Confederate veterans, founded in 1896
Louisiana SCV camps operate under the Louisiana Division, with camps distributed across the state
Membership requires documented proof of a Confederate ancestor’s honorable service and genealogical connection
Both lineal (direct) and collateral (indirect) descendants qualify for membership
Minimum age for full membership is 12; younger boys may join the Cadet program
Standard dues are approximately $40 annually ($35 dues plus $5 recording fee)
Members-at-large can join through the Headquarters Camp in Columbia, Tennessee
Louisiana camps participate in grave marker dedications, memorial services, and historical preservation
The 2026 Louisiana Division Reunion is May 16 in Alexandria
Required documentation includes a completed application, genealogy chart, and proof of ancestor’s military service
Official Resources
Sons of Confederate Veterans National: https://scv.org
SCV Membership Process: https://scv.org/membership-process/
Louisiana Division SCV: https://www.lascv.com
Library of Congress (Historical SCV Records): https://lccn.loc.gov
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