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Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: Celebrating America 250 and the Legacy of Revolutionary War Patriots
By Texoma Chapters Daughters of the American Revolution
Apr 24, 2026
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Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: Celebrating America 250 and the Legacy of Revolutionary War Patriots

As the nation eagerly prepares to celebrate the America 250 milestone, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) stand at the forefront, continuing a tradition of service, remembrance, and patriotism begun in 1898.

For more than a century, DAR has been dedicated to preserving the stories of those who helped shape our nation—men and women whose courage and sacrifice paved the way for American independence. The Texas Society, boasting over 200 chapters and more than 18,000 members, remains committed to honoring Revolutionary War Patriots, engaging youth through creative contests and educational programs, and highlighting the invaluable contributions of underrepresented Patriots who fought for freedom.

Texoma DAR Chapters: Founding Details and Signature Achievements

The Texoma region is home to several distinguished DAR chapters, each with its own unique history and local legacy:

Martha Jefferson Randolph Chapter (Sherman/Denison) — Founded in 1927, this chapter has been a community pillar for nearly a century. One of its signature projects was the restoration of the historic Hendricks Cemetery, where members uncovered headstones of early Grayson County settlers. During World War II, the chapter organized care packages for soldiers—a tradition of support that continues today with their “Our Veterans Oral History” program. Each year the members support local senior graduates with scholarship support and bestow a Good Citizen award. Email Mjrdaughters@gmail.com

Rebecca Crockett Chapter (Gainesville) — Established in 1903, Rebecca Crockett Chapter has long standing traditions in the support of and emphasis on education and the promise of our youth. Yearly we recognize and celebrate Education with scholarships, American History awards, honoring an Outstanding History Teacher and encouraging young cadets as Outstanding Cadets. Longtime member Tracye Albone states, “I joined the Rebecca Crockett chapter to honor my ancestors. It has been an honor to serve the Daughters in various capacities at the local and state level, as well as enjoy the comradery of ladies with the same passion for preserving our nation's history.” Email
rebecca.crockett.chapter@gmail.com

Preston Trail Chapter (Pottsboro) — Established in 2011 near "The Old Preston Road," a former key route in north central Texas, this group has spent the past 15 years supporting the DAR missions of patriotism, education, and historic preservation. Initiatives include aid for veterans through grants and events, volunteering at local schools, and preserving historic sites like the Price Shaw Cabin and Preston Bend Cemetery markers—winning a state award in 2025. With over 100 members, the chapter honors Texoma's heritage and the legacy of American Revolution Patriots. Email prestontrailnsdar@gmail.com

Sister Grove Chapter (Van Alstyne) — Founded in 2013, the Sister Grove Chapter has dedicated itself to supporting veterans, both living and deceased. The chapter initiated the Wreaths Across America program for the local cemetery, where 978 veterans are laid to rest, to honor those who have served.

Members contribute financially to Grayson County College’s Veterans Department and extend their support to Walker House, which offers services to veterans in need. In addition, the Sister Grove Chapter provides scholarships to high school students and uses funds to raise headstones that require attention.
Email
bwhitlock47@hotmail.com.

John F. Greer Chapter (Anna) — Established in 2006, John F. Greer Chapter is recognized for setting four war memorial markers at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, “To Honor All Who Served” in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Members treat the residents at Clyde Cosper Veterans Home in Bonham to a Valentine’s Day Party annually. Member Linda Dillard notes, “Our chapter focuses on our veterans, which includes hosting Wreaths Across America at Wilson Chapel Cemetery, where 243 veterans are remembered in December with a live evergreen wreath”. Email johnfgreerdar@gmail.com

George Blakley Chapter (Bonham) — Founded in 1953, the George Blakey Chapter has served as a cornerstone of patriotism and civic pride. For over 70 years, the chapter has remained steadfast in its mission to better the community, honor veterans, and invest in the future. The chapter recently utilized a grant to enrich local education by providing a curated collection of patriotic books to local schools and public libraries. The chapter also provides cards and gifts to honor veterans at our local veteran's hospital during the year. Email jgrant898@yahoo.com

Shawnee Trail Chapter (Prosper) — The newest chapter, founded in 2019, honors the historic Texas cattle trail for which it is named. The chapter has grown from 25 founding members to 54 members in 2026. The chapter is active in community service, historic preservation, conservation, and veteran support, and has earned state and national awards. Members participate in DAR leadership training, state conferences, and Continental Congress. With strong programs, dedicated committees, and expanding outreach, the chapter continues to thrive and serve Prosper and the surrounding area. Email prospertxdar@gmail.com.

Just as the older chapters rallied to support their communities during wartime and times of hardship, today’s Texoma DAR chapters continue that legacy by addressing present-day needs. From welcoming returning veterans and preserving historic landmarks to launching educational and conservation programs, each chapter adapts its mission to meet evolving community challenges. This seamless progression from historic service to contemporary action underscores the enduring impact of DAR’s work.

The real-world impact of DAR’s service shines through personal stories. At a Naturalization Day event, new American citizen Maria Rivera shared, “The DAR welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the community.” Meanwhile, students at local schools’ express gratitude for Constitution Week contests, saying, “Learning about the Revolution helped us understand why our freedoms matter.” These testimonials—along with countless others—show how DAR’s legacy lives on in everyday moments of kindness, education, and patriotism.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.