Daughters of the American Revolution founded in Washington, D.C.

Background. In 1889, the centennial of George Washington's inauguration sparked renewed interest in United States history, leading to the founding of numerous patriotic societies. On July 13, 1890, the Sons of the American Revolution refused to allow women to join their group. This exclusion prompted Mary Smith Lockwood to publish a story in The Washington Post, questioning where women patriots would be recognized, which catalyzed the formation of a new society.

Formation. William O. McDowell, a great-grandson of patriot Hannah White Arnett, published an article in The Washington Post offering to help form a society known as the Daughters of the American Revolution. The first meeting of the society was held on August 9, 1890. These initial gatherings established the organizational framework that would lead to the formal founding of the first chapter later that year.

First Chapter. The first DAR chapter was organized on October 11, 1890, at the Strathmore Arms in Washington, D.C., the home of Mary Smith Lockwood, one of the society's four co-founders. The event included attendees such as Sons of the American Revolution members, including Registrar General Dr. [Name]. This gathering marked the official establishment of the society in the nation's capital.