As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the birth of America, the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution are encouraging celebrations in towns, cities and counties throughout the state. A notable effort undertaken by the 94 Tennessee DAR chapters is their recently published book, Patriots to Pioneers, the First Tennessee Volunteers. This is a collection of stories of Patriots who served in the Revolutionary War to gain American Independence and then became the founders and settlers of Tennessee.
Jean Drew and Jennifer Harvey of the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR, of Chattanooga, presented a copy of this book to Carolyn Runyon, the assistant head of Collection Services and director of Special Collections at UTC Library on Monday.
The 600-page volume features 372 documented and sourced Tennessee Patriot stories, 300 additional proven Tennessee Patriot names, beautiful full-color illustrations by renowned historical artist, David Wright, and others, as well as an introduction and overview of the history of Tennessee’s role in the American Revolution and its founding. The Tennessee Society is excited to make these stories of the Patriots and Pioneers of Tennessee available to teachers, librarians, and American history students in locations throughout Tennessee.
One of the world's largest patriotic women’s organizations, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.