Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR

Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, (one of ten chapters chartered by NSDAR in the state of Wyoming) was organized in 1914.

Fort Casper Chapter, NSDAR, is a chartered chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a women’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Members of The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR/ DAR) come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped

contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. 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 to join. Members participate in activities that promote the objectives of the national organization, such as service to veterans, literacy, conservation, historic preservation, genealogy, community service, and many more. Meetings are generally held the first Monday of the month. The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.

In Colonial America, the written word was the primary means of communication -- and was used very successfully to influ...
08/24/2026

In Colonial America, the written word was the primary means of communication -- and was used very successfully to influence public opinion. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet "Common Sense," well known for its persuasive argument laying out the case for independence from Britain, became the most widely read pamphlet of the American Revolution. But Paine wasn’t the only voice speaking out for the cause of liberty.

Another inspirational writer turned to poetry to show her support for independence. Enslaved as a child, Phyllis Wheatley became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. Her powerful verses, including a famous poem written directly to George Washington, championed the Patriot cause—even while she herself was denied the very liberty she wrote about.

Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, invites you to learn more about heroes of the American Revolution at the “Small Figures, Big Narratives” exhibit at the Natrona County Library. This special exhibit uses storytelling dioramas to highlight some of the known and lesser-known figures of the American Revolution.

Stop by the Natrona County Library through mid-September to check it out!

Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, invites artists of ALL AGES – DAR members and non-members alike! – to participate in DAR’s C...
08/23/2026

Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, invites artists of ALL AGES – DAR members and non-members alike! – to participate in DAR’s Constitution Week Poster Contest for 2026.

The poster should illustrate/celebrate the spirit or meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The winning poster will be printed by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in the spring of 2027 and offered for sale at the National DAR store. See https://shop.dar.org/2026-constitution-week-poster for last year’s winning entry!

Each submitting artist may submit one or two entries. Teachers or homeschoolers may choose to use the contest as part of their art or history curriculum.

The guidelines and entry form can be found at https://wydar.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Poster-Contest-Guidelines-2026.pdf
They are also available on our website: https://wydar.org/fort-caspar/ (Scroll down to the Edcuation section.)

When you are ready to submit your entry, contact us at [email protected], and we’ll arrange to receive your submission. Deadline is January 1, 2027

Patriotism was on full display in Sweetwater County last week!High Desert Chapter, NSDAR, officially dedicated TWO new A...
08/21/2026

Patriotism was on full display in Sweetwater County last week!

High Desert Chapter, NSDAR, officially dedicated TWO new America 250! commemorative markers honoring our Revolutionary War patriots and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Where to spot them:
• Rock Springs Historical Museum: A bronze marker made possible by a collaborative grant effort between eight Wyoming DAR chapters.
• Thomas Moran Park (Green River): A twin marker generously funded by the local community!

Wyoming now proudly hosts four America 250! markers statewide, joining Casper (Fort Caspar Museum) and Cheyenne (State Capitol grounds). Stop by these locations next time you’re traveling the state and pay tribute to those brave men and women who helped secure our freedom!

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, is proud to share the stories of our patriot...
08/17/2026

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, is proud to share the stories of our patriot ancestors whose courage helped shape our nation. This week, we proudly recognize LT. ALEXANDER McCLELLAN (McClelland) of Pennsylvania, whose life reflects the grit, sacrifice, and westward spirit that defined our nation’s beginnings.

Born around 1761 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Alexander grew up in a family deeply committed to the Revolutionary cause. He served on the Pennsylvania frontier as a member of the Westmoreland Rangers, enlisting in 1777 in the 6th Company, 2nd Battalion, Westmoreland County Militia. Over the course of the war, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. His father—also a DAR Patriot—was killed at the Battle of Sandusky, underscoring the very real dangers faced. In recognition of his military contribution, Alexander received 300 acres of bounty land in Westmoreland County, where he farmed after the war.

In 1795, Alexander married Catherine Coursen (Courson) in Fayette County. Just a few years later, the couple moved west to Licking County, Ohio, becoming early pioneers in a region that was still largely inhabited by Native peoples. Alexander claimed a parcel of government land, cleared it, and built a prosperous farm. His ten children were born across Pennsylvania and Ohio, with most born after the family’s move west.

Alexander died in 1824 and is buried in the Old Newark Cemetery / 6th Street Cemetery. Although the cemetery was later relocated, his remains are known to still rest at the original site. In 1976, the Hetuck Chapter, NSDAR, honored him with a monument in Newark, Ohio, listing his name among local Revolutionary War veterans.

Does your own family tree include a Patriot of the American Revolution? The DAR’s Ancestor Search tool is a wonderful place to begin your journey of discovery. The database is free, open to the public, and you may find that your ancestor is already a DAR proven Patriot!
https://www.dar.org/genealogy.

Are you a classroom teacher who could use $500 for classroom supplies, a class field trip, or an outside speaker or prog...
08/17/2026

Are you a classroom teacher who could use $500 for classroom supplies, a class field trip, or an outside speaker or program? Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, invites you to submit your project for consideration!

Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Teacher Grants provided by Junior Membership, Daughters of the American Revolution. Two grants, up to $500 each, are available in Wyoming for classroom teachers (grades K-12) in support of projects that directly benefit students.

Subjects supported by the grant do NOT need to be history-related -- any subject will qualify.

The application, detailed information, and FAQs can be found at https://www.wydar.org/about/fort-caspar. (Scroll down to the Education section). Applications are due October 15, 2026.

Grants will open again in the spring, and you may reapply if not selected. You do NOT have to be a DAR member to apply.

If you are not in the Casper/Natrona County area, reach out to us, and we will help you find a local DAR Chapter to sponsor your application: [email protected]

You’ve probably heard about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Among these members of the C...
08/12/2026

You’ve probably heard about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Among these members of the Continental Congress were John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Frankin, and John Adams.

But did you know that one woman’s name also appeared on the Declaration of Independence? The first published copies of the Declaration, known as the Goddard Broadside, were issued by Baltimore printer Mary Katherine Goddard in January 1777. And… she prominently printed her name on the bottom of the document – at great personal risk to herself!

Congress, which had recently evacuated to Baltimore to escape the British Army. sent copies of the “broadside” to each state. This was the first time that the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were made public. Only nine of these original broadsides are known to exist today.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/goddard.htm

Come learn about other forgotten or lesser-known patriots of the American Revolution at the “Small Figures, Big Narratives” exhibit at the Natrona County Library. Created by Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, with the assistance of the Casper Doll Collectors Club, you’ll get a unique peek at history!

Generations of ancestors past and present have fought for our freedom. They didn’t fight just for themselves — they fou...
08/10/2026

Generations of ancestors past and present have fought for our freedom. They didn’t fight just for themselves — they fought for us. For our future, our liberty, and our right to choose our leaders.

Let’s honor their courage by exercising the right they secured for us. Make your voice heard. Whether early or on primary day... make time to VOTE.

Most people have heard of the Boston Tea Party — that famous act of colonial defiance against British taxation. But fewe...
07/30/2026

Most people have heard of the Boston Tea Party — that famous act of colonial defiance against British taxation. But fewer know that it was just one of many “tea parties” that took place from South Carolina to New England.

One of the most remarkable Tea Parties happened in 1774 in Edenton, North Carolina, where a group of courageous women publicly signed a pledge to boycott British tea and goods. Their decision wasn’t just symbolic; it put their reputations, livelihoods, and even their safety at risk. Their bold stand is a powerful reminder of how women used economic pressure, social networks, and sheer determination to push the colonies toward independence.

Come explore these lesser known stories of the American Revolution at the Natrona County Library. Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR — with the generous assistanceof the Casper Doll Collector’s Club and supportive community members — has brought key moments of the Revolutionary War to life using Barbie and Ken dolls. The library atrium display cases feature detailed, artistic scenes that make history feel fresh, surprising, and fun.

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, honors the patriot ancestors who helped secu...
07/29/2026

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, honors the patriot ancestors who helped secure our freedom. Today we recognize PHILIP KLINGENSMITH, of Pennsylvania.

Philip’s family arrived in America in 1670, fleeing religious persecution in Germany. Settling on the Pennsylvania frontier, he became an early founder of the Lutheran faith in the region, welcoming traveling preachers into his home.

Philip married Anna in 1752; they had three children, settling on Indian Creek near the Blue Mountains in Lehigh Township, Bucks County. After her death, he married Christiana in 1757 and had nine more children; their son Andrew is also a DAR Patriot. Philip knew his frontier home well; during the French and Indian War he served as a courier for General Forbes during the Fort Duquesne campaign and for Colonel Bouquet at Bushy Run.

Around 1769, Philip moved his family to a 340‑acre tract at Brush Creek, where he built Fort Klingensmith, a blockhouse designed to protect settlers from attacks. In 1774, during Dunmore’s War, he joined others in signing the Fort Allen Petition, urging Governor William Penn to provide greater protection for frontier families.

On July 2, 1781, during the Revolution, Philip paid the ultimate sacrifice. Fort Klingensmith was brutally attacked by Seneca Indians and British Rangers. Only three people survived. Philip, Christiana, and most of their neighbors were killed. Their eight‑year‑old son, John Peter, was taken captive, adopted by his captors, and lived his life in Canada.

If you’d like to discover whether your own family includes a Revolutionary War patriot, explore the free Ancestor Search database on the DAR website.
https://www.dar.org/genealogy

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Casper, WY

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