Today's DAR
The National Society is pleased to announce that plans are underway to plant the DAR Pathway of the Patriots in Yorktown, Va., in order to celebrate the journey toward American independence that culminated there with Washington’s victory over Cornwallis. The Memorial Grove will be planted in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust on Trust-owned property following the vote of delegates who attended the December 8 Special Meeting.
DAR Pathway of the Patriots Will Flourish Near Yorktown
Since that time, we have worked diligently on plans to create this special grove of trees dedicated to those who secured American Independence. And we are excited to announce this commitment to a location near Yorktown, pending all necessary final approvals from state and federal officials.
We are making good progress, and I am thrilled to announce that we will are ready to host a ceremonial tree planting at the Old Custom House in Yorktown, Va., to celebrate. This tree will be planted in memory of first Commander-in-Chief George Washington to honor his victory at Yorktown.
The Custom House, built about 1720 by Custom Agent Richard Ambler, is listed on the Virginia Landmark Register and National Register of Historic Places. It is also one of only twelve Historic Custom Houses in the country. During the Revolution, the Custom House was used as barracks for the British troops. During the Civil War, Confederate General J.B. Magruder may have used the House as his headquarters. In 1882, it was sold to prominent African-American physician Dr. Daniel McNorton, who was also one of the first African-Americans to be elected to the Virginia State Senate. Today, the Custom House hosts a museum and is open to the public.
I am thankful to the members of the Comte de Grasse Chapter of the Virginia DAR, who own and serve as stewards for the Old Custom House. They will be our hosts for this special tree planting to celebrate the commitment between DAR and American Battlefield Trust to plant the grove of 250 trees in the vicinity of Yorktown.
Please see this joint news release from American Battlefield Trust and DAR about next month’s event. All members are welcome to attend this brief tree-planting ceremony on June 7 at 10 a.m. at the Old Custom House.
Thank you to all of the DAR Pathway of the Patriots donors who have supported this project. We are excited to move into this next phase of finalizing the location and all details in order to plant this memorial grove as a gift to the nation as part of our America 250 efforts.
