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Our North Carolina DAR History
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 DAR 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.
Rowan County, famed for its own "Rowan Resolves" of May 1775 was quick to emulate Mecklenburg's example and was officially organized as our second chapter on November 22, 1898. Organization of the second chapter was on August 28, 1898, by Mrs. Latta, the State Regent, and was officially organized on November 22, 1898. This 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 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
National Society Children of the American Revolution
National Society Sons of the American Revolution
North Carolina Society Children of the American Revolution
North Carolina Society Sons of the American RevolutionE-mail: NCSDAR VIS Chairman
