Local DAR chapter honors patriots with marker
LENOIR — The local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter honored the courage and sacrifice of the Patriots who won America's independence with a marker at Fort Defiance, according to a press release from the Tucker's Barn DAR Chapter.
The "America 250!" marker, which has been installed outside the Fort Defiance visitors center, is the first in Caldwell County to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. "America 250!" is a multiyear celebration of the country's history.
The Tucker's Barn DAR Chapter will host a dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Fort Defiance, according to the press release.
The chapter received a $500 National Society DAR "America 250!" Patriot Marker Grant, fundraised and received donations to purchase the 24x24" plaque and the stone on which it was installed, according to the press release.
As part of the "DAR America 250!" Patriots Marker project, states, chapters, clubs and individuals are encouraged to purchase and erect the standardized markers, which are customized with the name of the sponsoring organization, according to the press release.
There are no stipulations about where the plaques may be placed, indoors or out, at parks, cemeteries, town squares, schools, municipal buildings, historic sites and private properties visible from a public street, according to the press release.
Tucker's Barn Chapter members chose to install a marker at Fort Defiance because it was the Happy Valley home of Gen. William Lenoir, one of the heroes of the Battle of Kings Mountain, according to the press release.
The text of the plaque reads:
"Revolutionary War Patriots
"This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence.
"These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.
"1775 — 1783
"Presented by the Tucker's Barn Chapter
"Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States."
The National Society's goal is to place at least one marker in every state in advance of the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary, according to the press release.
DAR is the first heritage society to formally partner with America250, the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026, led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, according to the press release.
On Nov. 2, the Rendezvous Mountain DAR Chapter of North Wilkesboro dedicated markers on the graves of Gen. Lenoir and Major Charles Gordon at Fort Defiance, according to the press release.
