Battle of Cowpens Chapter, NSDAR
Spartanburg, South Carolina
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
WHAT IS THE DAR?
The DAR is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR). Click here for more information about the NSDAR.
Our Chapter
The Battle of Cowpens Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), is named for the decisive battle that helped turn the tide in the Southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War. On January 17, 1781, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan led his army of continentals and militia in a victory over Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton's British forces at Cowpens, South Carolina. The battle is recognized as one of the most important of the American Revolutionary War.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAPTER MEMBER
The chapter, chartered in 1894, has participated with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in laying a wreath in January at Daniel Morgan's statue located in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, approximately twenty miles from the Cowpens National Battlefield.
November 2023 Events
Honoring Our Veterans
Spartanburg County had the distinguished honor this year by hosting the official Vietnam War Memorial traveling wall for Veterans Day. This was awarded to the county out of 52 cities across the country. The Vietnam War Memorial was here from Wednesday, November 8th to Sunday November 12th. A wreath laying dedication ceremony was performed on Wednesday. On Saturday, November 11th, was the official Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. It was well attended in spite of the rain. Speakers were a daughter of a MIA Vietnam War pilot who went missing during a mission, a South Carolina senator, and a Major General who was the keynote speaker. Afterwards the Vietnam veterans who attended gathered together for a group picture in front of the memorial wall. A stirring and moving sight to behold... Thank you to all veterans for your sacrifice, service, and commitment to the preservation of our freedom!
Vietnam veterans at the Veterans Day ceremony in front of the Vietnam War Memorial traveling wall in Spartanburg.
November Chapter Meeting
At our November chapter meeting we were pleased to have the author of the book “To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters.” The author shared with us some excerpts of the book on how a young woman in college during the war was corresponding with a Vietnam War soldier. Their stories were interwoven for a perspective on how times were during that difficult conflict and how important letters were to the soldiers. One of our very own chapter members’ husband is a Vietnam War veteran and was also a part of the book. We honored him with a certificate of appreciation for his service during the Vietnam War.
Lineage Workshop
The Spartanburg County Public Library’s Local History Department Staff and the Battle of Cowpens Lineage Research Committee joined together for two training Workshops on October 31 and November 7 where both groups explored the DAR application policies and lineage proof requirements for DAR. The workshop was led by SCDAR Lineage Chair and the SCPL Director of Local History.
October 2023 Events
Battle of Cowpens chapter is pleased to announce H.A.L.T.E.R. and the Carolina Miracle League as recipients of the Community Service Award. This award is given in recognition of individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to their communities by providing organized activities that enrich and benefit our local community. Congratulations!
Healing and learning through equine relationships (H.A.L.T.E.R.) improves the lives of children with challenges through equine-assisted services.
Carolina Miracle League provides an opportunity for children with physical and/or mental challenges to play baseball enriching their lives.
On Saturday, October 7th, Battle of Cowpens members attended the annual commemoration of the Battle of Kings Mountain. This key Revolutionary War battle was a major turning point in winning the war for independence. We deeply appreciate and honor those who gave their lives and fought during this conflict to provide the freedoms we enjoy today.
Our guest speaker for this month presented the City of Spartanburg 5-year plan for downtown expansion. Our most immediate building to be completed will be our new County Courthouse with a lot of wonderful amenities. Exciting changes coming to our city!
September 2023 Events
The Vivian Outreach to Women National Grant, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, was awarded to the BattleBetty Foundation for the largest grant amount available. This year the BattleBetty Foundation was submitted for the grant expressing their need for transportation to assist the women veterans in the BattleBetty womens veterans shelter located in South Carolina. The Battle of Cowpens Chapter is a proud supporter of the BattleBetty Foundation and its many contributions to the women veterans community. We congratulate them on being a grant recipient this year!
Our guest speaker this month was a DAR representative for Wreaths Across America. This is a non-profit organization honoring our veterans by promoting an opportunity to raise funds to provide a beautiful handmade evergreen wreath for each veterans grave. In addition each year in December a special ceremony at various cemeteries around the country commemorate the laying of these wreaths on veterans graves from all past conflicts. The Battle of Cowpens Chapter is proud to support and promote this very special organization honoring our veterans.
The membership for Battle of Cowpens Chapter has reached a new level of growth by swearing in 11 new members and transfers to our membership! We are so excited to have this amazing growth and are very grateful for how our chapter continues to grow.
April Events
Neighborhood “Visitor”
We had a special and unique visitor for our April meeting! Very close to where our meetings are held there was a black bear in the tree at the Presbyterian church. This created much excitement and news crews to descend on the area. This is in the heart of Spartanburg so the black bear probably didn't know what to make of all the commotion. Hope he found his way home!
Liberty Trail fundraiser
Each state Regent has a project they implement and support to further the NSDAR mission goals. Our State Regent’s project, the Legacy Society, has several goals supporting South Carolina’s Liberty Trail, America 250 historical markers, education, and our veterans…just to name a few. Our chapter committee for the Liberty Trail put together a wonderful raffle basket for our members to purchase voices to help raise funds for this state project. One lucky winner walked away with a basket full of goodies.
SCDAR Annual Conference -Chapter Awards
Multiple awards in recognition of service and appreciation were presented by our chapter Regent that were received from the annual South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution conference. There were awards for Community Service, Bylaws Compliance and Protocol, support of Children of the American Revolution, Recognition of Constitution Week, Project Patriot, American Heritage and American Indian. Plus first place in the state for the Vivian Outreach to Women grant. This award puts our chapter at the national level to be considered for a grant to provide a transportation vehicle for BattleBetty Foundation women veterans shelter.
Guest Speaker
The Professor Emerita of English, Wofford College, presented a historical timeline of the lives of women and their contributions to Spartanburg County history. It was enlightening to hear the different historical time frames of what local women went through and had to endure in order to survive and prosper. Their efforts are much appreciated when we consider all they accomplished in light of the many challenges they faced.
March Events
Converse University
Spartanburg County has many wonderful universities with excellent upper education opportunities for success. One of DAR's missions is the support of education. We were proud to have Converse University come speak to us and to share how their admissions have grown over the years with many exciting degree programs offered. From an all girls college to coed, their programs attract international students and doctorate level degree students. What a wonderful part of our local community they are for their varied upper educational opportunities.
MARCH MEETING TABLE DECORATION
Guests of Members
We are always excited to have visitors come to our meetings who are guests of our members. This is a great way for us to meet new people and for them to visit our chapter for potential membership or transfer from another chapter. Welcome to our guests!
SCDAR Annual Conference
Every year DAR chapters throughout the country have an annual state conference for all the chapters in their state to attend. This month is the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution annual conference. It is a wonderful opportunity for the chapters to connect and share information and state business. What an exciting opportunity for all that attend!
The State Regent’s pin was designed to reflect the following: The Heart Symbolizes Faith and Love, Outline of the State Represents South Carolina, Palmetto Tree Represents the South Carolina Liberty Trail, The Liberty Bell Symbolizes Patriotism, Loyalty, and Freedom
February Events
Every February Battle of Cowpens Chapter conducts a joint chapter meeting with the other local DAR chapters. This includes The Daniel Morgan Chapter, The Joshua Hawkins Chapter, and The Kate Berry Chapter. Also we were very pleased to have attending the Regent and Vice-Regent for South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution. With this meeting there is fellowship and sharing of our joint goals and aspirations to support our local history and preservation. Time together was much enjoyed by all present.
Distinguished Citizens Award
It was with great pleasure the Distinguished Citizens Award was presented to one of our local nursing groups whose outstanding service during the pandemic and exceptional dedication above and beyond for their service to their field. We thank you for all you do for our community.
Starlight Progam at Tamasse School
We also had presented an update by the Development Officer with the Tamassee School. A stirring video was shared on how the Starlight Program at the school is helping mothers and children through tough times and helping them get back on their feet. We appreciate all the Tamassee School is doing to help families in need.
South Carolina's Liberty Trail
We were honored to have as our speaker the Historian for the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. Information was presented regarding the plans for completion of the Liberty Trail that will traverse throughout South Carolina. The Liberty Trail represents South Carolina’s important role in our country’s fight for freedom and independence in the Revolutionary War. This project is also supported as part of our State Regent’s administration.
A very touching video was given about the recently discovered soldiers that were hastily buried from the conflict fought at the Camden Battlefield during the Revolutionary War. These fourteen brave individuals, twelve who fought for our liberty and one of those approximately 14-15 year old, will be honored later this Spring by full honor ceremony for burial back into their original location.
January Events
January is a very special and important month for the Battle of Cowpens Chapter as we celebrate the victory of our Patriot forces who fought the decisive battle at Cowpens, January17, 1780. Every year the anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens is honored at Daniel Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg and the Cowpens Battlefield.
At this month's meeting we were honored to have the National Chaplain of National Society Children of the American Revolution. The speaker presented with wonderful eloquence in detail the Battle of Cowpens’ impressive strategically maneuvered victory that ultimately helped turned the tide of the Revolutionary War.
Historic Preservation Award
Preservation of American History is one of the core missions of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Anderson Mill was and is an integral part of Spartanburg County history. Located at the intersection of North Tyger River and Anderson Mill Road it was the “birthplace of Spartanburg County government.“ The award was presented to the organization whose valuable work on this vital historic site provides future generations with valuable insight to our past. We are proud that one of our members is an integral part of this project
Welcome two our newest members! We are so happy your part of the Battle of Cowpens Chapter.
December Events
Service to Veterans
Veteran's Last Patrol is a Spartanburg nonprofit organization honoring our veterans and their “last patrol” while they are in hospice care. The Veteran’s Honor ceremony is marked with a special visit to their home or hospice facility with family members and local community showing their appreciation and thanks with personalized keepsakes in commemoration for their service to our country.
Another Veteran’s Last Patrol activity is Operation Holiday Salute card stuffing where they send cards and letters of appreciation to veterans across the country. Battle of Cowpens Chapter Service to Veterans committee is proud and honored to work with this wonderful organization on this project.
New Members
Battle of Cowpens is pleased to announce three new members joining our chapter! Congratulations and we are so happy that you are part of our growing DAR membership.
November Meeting-Events
BattleBetty Foundation
Battle of Cowpens Chapter (BOC) was pleased to have as our special guest the founder of the BattleBetty Foundation. As a Marine veteran, she was aware of the many needs of our women veterans. In 2018, with her mother's unwavering support, her Foundation began with Peer Support meetings and expanded to provide many important services to help our local women veterans. These services include reintegration into civil life, an emergency shelter to assist in long term housing, and a clothing closet for women veterans in need. Based out of Jonesville, South Carolina BattleBetty is the only dedicated women veterans shelter in South Carolina. We thank our women veterans for their service to our country!
BOC members donated many needed items to help provide for the women veterans residents at the BattleBetty shelter.
The founder of BattleBetty Foundation with her mother.
FAVOR Upstate
A panel of key volunteer administrators from Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR), a local nonprofit outreach community organization, each shared their personal heartfelt stories and their related mission for the organization. This important organization provides support to those struggling with substance use disorders and as an outlet for their families. FAVOR provides a free service to any and all that are affected by substance use disorders. We were deeply touched by how this wonderful organization has helped so many in our community and surrounding areas. We’re so grateful for your service.
October Meeting-Events
National Defense Committee
In our October meeting the committee passed out small toy soldiers to ask members to display them in a place we see often. That way whenever we see these toy soldiers to remember our first responders and military and say a prayer. We are thankful and grateful for their service to our communities and country.
National Daughters of the American Revolution-Day of Service
The Battle of Cowpens Chapter (BOC) participated in NSDAR national day of service on October 11, 2022. BOC joined with Kate Barry Chapter by volunteering at The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen.
New Members
At our October Chapter meeting we welcomed two transfers to the Battle of Cowpens Chapter! Welcome and congratulations!
Membership Committee
Battle of Cowpens Chapter promotes awareness of seeking new members as we want to share the many benefits of being a national member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. We are a service organization and have many wonderful ways to give back and work with our communities. Come join us in celebrating our service to America!
For each monthly meeting we have hostesses who decorate the tables. This month was a fall theme with many beautiful centerpieces displayed on the tables.
September Meeting-Events
Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. They provide valuable services and outreach in our communities in a collaborative child-centered approach.
Executive Director of Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg. This amazing organization provides life-changing dental and oral health services to our local community.
New Members
The Battle of Cowpens Chapter, NSDAR, was pleased to welcome new and transferring members to our chapter. Congratulations!
Constitution Week September 17-23
As a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we are proud to celebrate annually Constitution Week. DAR petitioned Congress to have a Constitution Week which was signed into law in 1956.
Photos courtesy of chapter members.
Contact us concerning inquiries about membership and chapter meetings.
