A group of women from the North Dakota chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered on August 22, 2023, in Valley City to honor the legacy of Augusta Freeman Young, a pivotal figure in the organization’s history. The occasion marked the dedication of a new marker at Woodbine Cemetery, replacing one that had been damaged by a lawn mower. This event encapsulates the DAR’s commitment to preserving the past while looking towards a more inclusive future.
Reviving a Legacy
The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in Washington, D.C., on October 11, 1890, was established by women whose ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. Frustrated by their exclusion from the all-male Sons of the American Revolution, they created a society focused on historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The first attempt to establish a chapter in North Dakota occurred in 1895, but it was not until 1914, when Young joined, that the state chapter gained momentum.
Born in St. Charles, Michigan, in 1871, Young traced her lineage to the Adams family of Massachusetts. She played a crucial role in forming North Dakota’s first DAR chapter, Sakakawea, in 1915, and served as the first state regent. Under her leadership, membership grew to over 300 by 1924. Young’s contributions to the DAR are commemorated at her burial site in Fargo, where the Sakakawea chapter placed a marker that recently required replacement.
Honorary state regent Sandy Sidler explained the significance of this dedication, stating, “That one got mangled by a lawn mower. Last summer, someone found it in a pile of brush, so we went through the process of getting permission from her family and from the cemetery to put up a new one.”
Commitment to Service and Inclusivity
Throughout its history, the DAR has engaged in various initiatives, including placing markers, supporting museums, and preserving significant artifacts, such as General George Custer’s rocking chair at Fort Abraham Lincoln. Their mission emphasizes service, as Sidler noted, “The mission of DAR is service — exactly. That is totally what we do.” Current projects include wreath sponsorships at the Fargo National Cemetery, support for Honor Flights, Quilts of Valor, and volunteer efforts at local VA hospitals.
Importantly, the DAR maintains a nonpartisan and nonpolitical stance, allowing members to hold personal political beliefs while the organization does not endorse any candidates or parties. This commitment to service and inclusivity has transformed the membership landscape. Sidler pointed out that the current membership reflects a diverse group, stating, “We are an equal and diverse group right now. There are a lot of African American and Native American members.”
Eligibility for membership has expanded to include descendants of individuals who contributed to the Revolutionary War in various capacities, not solely combatants. This broadened definition allows for the inclusion of those whose ancestors signed oaths of allegiance or provided essential supplies during the war. The Oneida Nation’s support for George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge and the recognition of Mary Hemings Bell, an enslaved woman who served as a patriot, exemplify this inclusive approach.
As the DAR prepares for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, Sidler expressed a desire to engage local communities through grants and initiatives celebrating North Dakota’s statehood. “We’re trying to spread the word,” she said. “We want people to be involved in celebrating this anniversary.”
On that sunny day in Valley City, the members of the DAR not only replaced a damaged marker but also revived a legacy that underscores the importance of history. Sidler remarked, “She really could get it started. Without her, the North Dakota DAR may not have thrived the way it did.” The dedication served as a reminder that while history can fade, it can also be revived through the commitment of those dedicated to preserving it.
For more information about membership or programs, visit the national DAR website at www.dar.org.
