Frontier Region Virginia SAR

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The Frontier Region of the Virginia SAR consists of seven chapters in the southwestern portion of the Commonwealth. Southwestern Virginia saw several significant events during the Revolutionary War from 1774 to 1783. Chapter compatriots support their communities through historical observances and commemorative events, youth and education programs, service to veterans, and first responders.

Independent cities in southwestern Virginia include: Bristol, Buena Vista, Covington, Galax, Lexington, Martinsville, Norton, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem.

Counties that have been included in the definition of the Frontier Region of southwestern Virginia include: Alleghany County, Bedford County, Bland County, Botetourt County, Buchanan County, Carroll County, Craig County, Dickenson County, Floyd County, Franklin County, Giles County, Grayson County, Henry County, Lee County, Montgomery County, Patrick County, Pulaski County, Roanoke County, Rockbridge County, Russell County, Scott County, Smyth County, Tazewell County, Washington County, Wise County, and Wythe County.

  • Vice Chair, Chapter Support and Membership (Frontier Region): John Gullion
  • Regional Color Guard Commander (Frontier Region): John Gullion

Significant Rev War Era Events for the Frontier Region

The following events played a significant part in the American Revolution and may reflect some of the annual commemorations conducted by SAR compatriots in the region:

  • Lord Dunmore's War (1774): This conflict between the Colony of Virginia and the Shawnee and Mingo tribes occurred in the southwestern region. Governor Lord Dunmore sought to divert attention from revolutionary activities by engaging in this war
  • Battle of King's Mountain (1780): Although this battle took place in South Carolina, it had significant implications for the southwestern region of Virginia. The defeat of British Major Patrick Ferguson's Loyalist militia disrupted British plans in the South
  • Raid at Martin’s Station (1776): frontier battle between settlers and Cherokee warriors at Joseph Martin's fort site in present-day Ewing, Virginia
  • Partisan Ranger Attacks: Throughout the war, the southwestern region saw numerous skirmishes and raids by partisan rangers, who were local militia groups fighting against British forces and their Loyalist supporters.
  • General Greene's Southern Campaign (1781): General Nathanael Greene led a campaign through the southern states, including southwestern Virginia, to engage British forces and disrupt their supply lines.
  • Roanoke Valley: This region was sparsely populated during the Revolutionary War, but it likely saw some activity related to supply lines and troop movements.

Revolutionary War / Genealogical Resources

The Virginia SAR has identified qualifying Revolutionary War-era colonial tax documents that are qualifying for prospective new and supplemental membership applications.

Chapters of the Frontier Region Virginia SAR

 Chapter Name  Communities Web Facebook
Clinch Mountain Militia Tazewell area  Webpage  
Colonel George Waller Martinsville area  Webpage Public Group
Fincastle Resolutions Roanoke Valley area Webpage Public Page
General William Campbell Abingdon area Webpage Public Page
Lieutenant David Cox Galax and Independence areas  Webpage  
Martin's Station far Southwest Virginia (SWVA) area Webpage Public Page
New River Valley New River Valley / Radford area  Webpage  

 

Historical Markers

Beyond honoring patriots of the American Revolution interred within cemeteries located in the Frontier Region, the Virginia SAR and its chapters have been a major force in honoring patriots and events, including such monuments:

  • Grayson’s First Muster Roll While Part of Montgomery County, VA—In 1976, the Lt. David Cox Chapter SAR; the New River Pioneer, DAR; and the New River Mountain Men, C.A.R., erected a monument at the Historic 1908 Courthouse, located in Independence, Virginia, present-day Grayson County. (Historical Marker Database webpage)
  • Dedicated to the Memory of General Joseph Martin—In 2003, the Virginia SAR, Tennessee SAR and Kentucky SAR joined forces to dedicate an obelisk marker located at Historic Martin’s Station. (Historical Marker Database webpage)
  • Battle of King’s Mountain—In 2007, a commemorative marker was placed with support from the Gen. William Campbell Chapter to honor the Virginia forces who fought at the Battle of King’s Mountain in South Carolina. (Historical Marker Database webpage)
  • The Muster Grounds—In 2011, a commemorative marker was unveiled with support from the Gen. William Campbell Chapter SAR and Black Fort’s Chapter DAR to honor the honor the sacrifices of their heroic overmountain ancestors at the Battle of King’s Mountain. (Historical Marker Database webpage)