Virginia SAR Membership Growth Accelerates in 2026 as America 250 Approaches

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is experiencing a surge of membership activity as the Commonwealth prepares to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Across the state, chapters are welcoming new compatriots and documenting additional Patriot ancestors at a pace that reflects both renewed public interest and the dedication of chapter registrars, genealogists, and volunteers.

Recent activity includes 40 new member applications, 21 supplemental applications, and 1 memorial application, documenting a total of 62 Patriot ancestors.

Join the Dan River Chapter for the 2026 Crossing of the Dan Commemoration

Each February, the Sons of the American Revolution gather to honor one of the most remarkable strategic achievements of the Southern Campaign: the Crossing of the Dan. On February 14, 1781, General Nathanael Greene’s masterful retreat across the icy Dan River preserved the Continental Army in the South and set the stage for the victories that ultimately secured American independence.

The Dan River Chapter SAR and the Crossing of the Dan Committee warmly invite all SAR compatriots, DAR members, families, guests, and community supporters to attend this year’s commemoration and related events. The 2026 observance promises to be a meaningful tribute to the patriot forces whose endurance and determination changed the course of the war.

Celebrating Growth Since Independence Day: Welcoming New Members and Honoring Supplemental Achievements

RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — Since July 4, 2025, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has experienced a remarkable surge in membership activity. We proudly recognize the addition of 127 new compatriots and the approval of 65 supplemental applications from 27 chapters, bringing our grand total to 192 new and supplemental recognitions.

This growth reflects not only the expanding interest in honoring Revolutionary War ancestors but also the commitment of existing members to deepen their genealogical connections.

Honoring Patriot George Estes: A New Patriot Burials® Marker Dedicated in South Boston

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — September 9, 2025—A quiet corner of Oak Ridge Cemetery came alive with patriotic pride as the Dan River Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), hosted a moving dedication ceremony for a newly installed Patriot Burials® marker honoring George Estes (1763–1859) and Robert Easley (1754–1814), both Revolutionary War patriots. The marker, funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and facilitated through Virginia SAR’s Patriot Burials® initiative, stands as a lasting tribute to their service and legacy.

The event drew a strong turnout from both SAR and DAR members, as well as descendants of George Estes, who gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the installation. The Dan River Chapter Color Guard presented the colors with solemn dignity, setting the tone for a ceremony steeped in remembrance and gratitude.

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, (May 27, 2025) — On 3 May 2025, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s first military response to the Royal Governor’s taking of gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. Governor John Murray, Earl of Dunmore falsely claimed it was for Virginia’s protection. During the night of 20–21 April 1775, British Marines landed at Burwell’s Landing on the James River and marched to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capitol. They had been ordered by Governor Dunmore to remove the gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. The Marines were spotted and an alarm raised. As a result, they returned to their ships without completely emptying the magazine.

Public discontent increased throughout the colony fomenting unrest, with militia companies mustering to force return of the gunpowder. Patrick Henry learned of the event and issued a call to arms. On 2 May 1775, 160 mounted militiamen from Hanover County under Henry’s command began their ride to Williamsburg to either recover the powder or be paid for it. On 3 May, they stopped at Doncastle’s Ordinary near Toano in James City County. It was here Carter Braxton convinced Henry to halt his march. Braxton, the son-in-law of Virginia’s Receiver General, Richard Corbin rode into Williamsburg to negotiate the settlement of the incident. He returned to Henry with a payment of 330 pounds to pay for the gunpowder that was taken from the armory. The Hanover militia returned to their homes and Henry journeyed to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. Dunmore feared for his safety and on 8 June, he and his family left in the middle of the night to take up residence aboard the British ship HMS Fowey. This incident led to the Virginia Colony’s government being taken over by a Committee of Safety and Patrick Henry becoming the independent state’s first governor in July 1776.