In February, 1898, Mrs. Hattie
Nisbet Latta (Mrs.Edward Dilworth), of Charlotte, was appointed third State Regent for the state.
Under
her inspirational guidance, the
first five chapters
in North Carolina were organized.
It was fitting that the first
Daughters of the American Revolution chapter of North Carolina be formed in the grand old County of
Mecklenburg, with its important historical record, and that its name be
Mecklenburg. This chapter is now known as "The Mother Chapter in
North Carolina." Their organization date was September 27, 1898.
The second chapter to be organized, on November 22, 1898, was located in
Rowan County, famed for its "Rowan Resolves" of May 1775. The chapter was named
Elizabeth Maxwell Steel, after Elizabeth Steele, who in 1781 presented General
Greene with
two
bags of
gold
for his discouraged and almost famished troops as they passed through
Salisbury before the Battle of Guilford Court House.
Waynesville was the third to
catch the inspiration of Mrs. Latta and formed the Dorcas Bell Love
Chapter on January 25, 1899.
Arden County was the fourth
chapter in our state. Its name was taken from the place of its
birth ~ Arden, a garden spot in the "Land of the Sky."
(Later this chapter was merged into the Edward Buncombe Chapter.)
The fifth chapter, in
Henderson County, was the Whitmel Blount Chapter. It was
chartered February 8, 1900. The chapter was named in honor of
Lieutenant Whitmel Blount, a young officer of the Revolution whose life
was offered for American Independence.
The President General of the National Society Daughters of the American
Revolution is
the highest and most honored office in the DAR. North
Carolina is proud to have had a Daughter to hold this office. Miss
Gertrude Sprague Carraway, a native of New Bern, NC, past NC State
Regent (1946-1949), held office of President General from 1953-1956.
As President General, NSDAR, Miss Carraway lived in
Washington, DC, where she became friends with Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower. During
her term, she convinced her friend's husband, President Eisenhower, to
declare one week in September (17th-23rd) as National Constitution Week.
We currently have over
100 chapters in North Carolina and continue to grow! If
you wish to join a chapter, let us know. If there are no chapters
near you and you would like to form a chapter, we would love to hear
from you, as well. DAR is a vibrant and thriving
organization and we welcome you to join us!
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
North Carolina Society Children of the American
Revolution
North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution
To apply for membership, contact us by clicking on the following link:
NC State Membership Chairman
Webmaster
