Our Heritage
The Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution (ILSSAR) is part of a proud national tradition that began on April 30, 1889—the 100th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. Today, we continue to honor the patriots who secured American independence through our commitment to patriotism, education, and service.
National SAR: Founded on a Legacy
The Beginning (1889)
The Sons of the American Revolution was founded on April 30, 1889, to preserve the memory and spirit of those who achieved American independence. The organization brought together men who could trace their ancestry to patriots who served during the Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 - November 26, 1783).
Congressional Charter (1906)
On June 9, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an Act of Congress officially chartering the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution. This Congressional Charter—granted to only a select few patriotic organizations—recognized SAR's vital role in preserving American history and promoting patriotic education.
Congressional Charter Citation: 36 U.S.C. Chapter 1533
Mission
The SAR was established to:
- Honor and preserve the memory of Revolutionary War patriots
- Inspire Americans with reverence for our founding principles
- Promote education about the American Revolution
- Foster true patriotism and love of country
- Support and honor veterans of all conflicts
- Maintain institutions of American freedom
Illinois and the Revolutionary War
The Illinois Campaign (1778-1779)
While no major Revolutionary War battles occurred in present-day Illinois, the region played a crucial strategic role in securing American independence through the legendary Illinois Campaign led by General George Rogers Clark.
The Campaign
July 4, 1778 - February 1779
General George Rogers Clark led a daring military expedition through the wilderness to capture British-held settlements in the Illinois Country:
July 4, 1778: Clark's forces captured Kaskaskia, the former French colonial capital on the Mississippi River, without firing a shot. The French inhabitants welcomed American control.
July 1778: Shortly after, Clark secured Cahokia, another strategic Mississippi River settlement.
February 1779: In a legendary winter march, Clark recaptured Fort Sackville at Vincennes (in present-day Indiana) from British forces.
Historical Significance
General Clark's Illinois Campaign:
- Secured the entire Northwest Territory for the United States
- Prevented British control of the Mississippi River
- Protected American settlements east of the Mississippi
- Influenced the Treaty of Paris (1783), which granted the Northwest Territory to the United States
- Opened the path for westward expansion
- Established American presence in what would become Illinois
The campaign demonstrated extraordinary courage, strategic vision, and perseverance—values that continue to inspire SAR members today.
Illinois Revolutionary War Patriots
Many patriots with Illinois connections served the cause of independence:
- Military Service: Soldiers who served in Continental Army regiments and state militias
- Frontier Service: Frontiersmen who defended settlements and supported Clark's campaign
- Civil Service: Government officials who supported independence in Virginia (which then claimed Illinois territory)
- Material Support: Settlers who provided supplies, shelter, and aid to American forces
- French Settlers: French inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and other Illinois settlements who supported American independence
Today, Illinois SAR chapters are named after these patriots and their legacy:
- General George Rogers Clark Chapter - Honors the campaign leader
- Long Knives Chapter - Named for Clark's frontiersmen ("Long Knives")
- Captain Zeally Moss Chapter - Named after Revolutionary War patriot
- Elijah Smith Chapter - Named after Revolutionary War patriot
- General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter - Named after Revolutionary War officer
Historic Revolutionary War Sites in Illinois
Fort de Chartres
- Located near Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County
- French colonial fort (1753-1772)
- Turned over to British (1772), then captured by Americans during Clark's campaign
- Architectural significance: Only remaining French colonial structure in Illinois
- Today: Illinois State Historic Site open to visitors
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
- Location of Clark's pivotal July 4, 1778 victory
- Former French colonial capital of Illinois Country
- Strategic Mississippi River location
- First major territorial gain in the Illinois Campaign
- Today: Historic site overlooking Mississippi River
Cahokia Courthouse (1737)
- Oldest building in Illinois
- French colonial vertical log building
- Used during American Revolution period
- Clark established American civil government here
- Listed on National Register of Historic Places
- Today: Located in Cahokia, open to visitors
Fort Massac State Park
- Originally Fort Massac (1757)
- Strategic Ohio River location
- Rebuilt in 1794
- Connected to frontier defense during and after Revolution
- Today: State park with reconstructed fort (Metropolis, IL)
Illinois Society SAR: Our State History
Formation and Growth
The Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution was established as part of the national expansion of SAR following its founding in 1889. Illinois members have proudly carried forward the SAR mission for well over a century, building one of the most active state societies in the nation.
Today's Illinois SAR:
- 1,000+ active members across Illinois
- 17 chapters statewide, from Chicago to southern Illinois
- Active in every region of the state
- Strong tradition of leadership in National SAR
Illinois SAR's Mission
Patriotism
- Promoting respect for the flag and national symbols
- Sponsoring patriotic observances on Independence Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day
- Providing color guards for community events
- Recognizing public servants (law enforcement, firefighters, EMS)
Education
- Distributing U.S. Constitution materials to schools
- Sponsoring student essay and oration contests
- Recognizing outstanding teachers of American history
- Supporting JROTC and ROTC programs
- Conducting educational presentations in schools and communities
History
- Researching and documenting Illinois patriots
- Marking patriot graves throughout Illinois
- Preserving historic sites and documents
- Assisting genealogists with Revolutionary War lineage research
- Maintaining chapter and state society historical records
Our 17 Chapters
Illinois SAR chapters span the state, serving members in every region:
Northern Illinois
- Fort Dearborn Chapter (Chicago area) - Chartered 1985
- Fox Valley Chapter (Kane/DuPage counties)
- Kishwaukee Chapter (DeKalb, Ogle, Lee counties)
- Fort Armstrong Chapter (Rock Island/Quad Cities)
Central Illinois
- American Bicentennial Chapter
- Springfield Chapter (State capital)
- Lewis & Clark Chapter
Southern Illinois
- General George Rogers Clark Chapter (Southwest Illinois)
- Ewington Chapter
- Long Knives Chapter
- Piankeshaw Chapter
Named After Patriots
- Captain Zeally Moss Chapter
- Elijah Smith Chapter
- General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter (GJB)
- Stephen Decatur Chapter
Each chapter conducts meetings, sponsors programs, and serves its local community while contributing to the statewide mission.
Fort Dearborn Chapter: A Model of Excellence
The Fort Dearborn Chapter, chartered March 30, 1985, exemplifies Illinois SAR's commitment to excellence. Established at the Union League Club in Chicago, Fort Dearborn has grown into one of the most active and influential chapters in the state.
Four Decades of Service
Since 1985, Fort Dearborn has:
- Maintained 70-80 active members
- Developed leaders who have served as ILSSAR Presidents and National SAR officers
- Reached over 100 Illinois high schools with Good Citizenship Awards
- Supported Chicago-area JROTC and ROTC programs
- Distributed Constitution materials throughout Chicago schools
- Volunteered at VA Medical Centers
- Recognized law enforcement, firefighters, and community heroes
Named After Chicago's Founding
Fort Dearborn was a U.S. Army fort established in 1803 at the mouth of the Chicago River—the site that would become the city of Chicago. The fort protected the frontier settlement and represented American expansion into the Northwest Territory secured by George Rogers Clark's Revolutionary War campaign.
The Fort Dearborn name connects the chapter to Chicago's founding identity and military heritage.
Notable Illinois SAR Achievements
Leadership Development
Illinois SAR members have served with distinction at all levels:
- State Society Officers: Dedicated leadership advancing ILSSAR programs
- National SAR Officers: Illinois members serving the national organization
- Committee Leadership: Chairs and coordinators of major programs
- Congress Representatives: Illinois delegates at National Congress
Award-Winning Programs
Illinois chapters have earned recognition for:
- Youth Education Programs: Knight Essay Contest, JROTC recognition, Eagle Scout scholarships
- Community Service: Law Enforcement Commendation, Fire Safety awards, Hero awards
- Veterans Support: VA hospital support, veterans recognition programs
- Historical Preservation: Patriot grave markings, historical site preservation
- Membership Growth: NSSAR Minuteman Awards (sponsoring five new members)
Educational Impact
Illinois SAR reaches thousands annually:
- Constitution distribution to schools statewide
- Student essay and oration contest winners
- Teacher awards for excellence in American history education
- ROTC cadet recognition
- Community presentations on Revolutionary War history
America 250: Looking Forward (2026-2033)
The Semiquincentennial
America's 250th birthday arrives on July 4, 2026. This milestone begins an eight-year America 250 commemoration (2026-2033) marking the key events of the American Revolution, from the Declaration of Independence through the Treaty of Paris.
Illinois SAR's Role
The Illinois Society is planning special programs to:
- Commemorate the 250th anniversaries of Revolutionary War events
- Expand educational outreach to schools and communities
- Conduct special patriot grave marking ceremonies
- Partner with historical societies and museums
- Create lasting digital records and archives
- Engage youth in understanding America's founding principles
- Celebrate Illinois' Revolutionary War heritage
This is an extraordinary moment to join Illinois SAR and participate in once-in-a-lifetime commemorations.
Membership: Continuing the Legacy
Who Can Join?
You may be eligible for SAR membership if you can prove direct lineal descent from a Revolutionary War patriot who:
- Served in military forces (Continental Army, state militia, naval service)
- Provided civil service in government supporting independence
- Gave material aid to the cause (supplies, money, shelter)
- Rendered patriotic service (oaths of allegiance, public support)
Service Period: April 19, 1775 - November 26, 1783
Why Join Illinois SAR?
Connect with History
- Research your patriot ancestor's service
- Join a lineage society with Congressional Charter
- Access genealogical resources and expert assistance
Make a Difference
- Support youth education programs
- Honor veterans and first responders
- Preserve American history for future generations
Build Community
- Meet fellow descendants of patriots
- Participate in patriotic ceremonies
- Engage in meaningful service
Find a Chapter Near You
With 17 chapters across Illinois, there's likely a chapter in your area. Chapter meetings feature guest speakers, patriot ancestor presentations, and fellowship with compatriots who share your passion for American history.
Historical Research Resources
For Genealogists
Illinois SAR assists researchers with:
- Revolutionary War ancestor verification
- Access to patriot service records
- Guidance through the SAR application process
- Connections to other genealogical resources
- Illinois patriot databases and records
Illinois State Archives
Illinois State Archives (Springfield, IL)
- Historical documents and records
- Genealogical research resources
- Illinois territorial and state history
- www.cyberdriveillinois.com
National SAR Resources
SAR Library (Louisville, KY)
- Extensive genealogical collection
- Revolutionary War research materials
- Patriot service documentation
- Professional genealogist assistance
Visit Historic Illinois Sites
Experience Revolutionary War history in Illinois:
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
1350 State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277
- French colonial fort (1753)
- Revolutionary War period significance
- Museum and reconstructed buildings
- Annual Rendezvous reenactment
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
4372 Park Road, Ellis Grove, IL 62241
- Site of Clark's July 4, 1778 victory
- Overlooks Mississippi River
- Historic cemetery and monuments
- Picnic areas and trails
Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site
107 Elm Street, Cahokia, IL 62206
- Illinois' oldest building (1737)
- Revolutionary War era civil government
- French colonial architecture
- Free admission
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site
4230 Kaskaskia Street, Ellis Grove, IL 62241
- Early 19th century home
- Connection to Illinois territorial period
- French colonial heritage
Sources and Further Reading
Books
- "George Rogers Clark and the Winning of the West" - Multiple biographies available
- "Kaskaskia: The Lost Capital of Illinois" by Carl J. Ekberg
- "The Illinois Country, 1673-1818" by Clarence Walworth Alvord
- "Colonial Illinois: A History of the Land and the People" by Elmer E. Gearhart
Websites
- National SAR: www.sar.org
- Illinois State Historical Society: www.historyillinois.org
- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park: www.nps.gov/gero
- Illinois State Historic Sites: Search "Illinois Historic Sites" for locations
Museums
- SAR Museum - Louisville, Kentucky (National SAR Headquarters)
- Illinois State Museum - Springfield, Illinois
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum - Springfield, Illinois
- Fort de Chartres Museum - Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
Contact Illinois SAR
Connect With Us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Illinois Sons of the American Revolution
- Twitter/Instagram: @ILLSSAR
Genealogy Questions:
Contact our registrar or genealogy committee through the state society.
Chapter Information:
Visit our Chapters page to find contact information for the chapter nearest you.
Join Us:
Visit our Membership page to begin your journey into Revolutionary War history.
The Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution honors the patriots who secured American independence. Through education, patriotism, and service, we preserve their legacy and inspire future generations to cherish the principles upon which our nation was founded.
Join us in honoring the past, serving the present, and inspiring the future.