The SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (SAR) was incorporated on January 17, 1890 in Connecticut and later chartered by the United States Congress on June 9, 1906. Prior to this date a number of state societies were formed in the 1890’s. These were led by the Sons of Revolutionary Sires, organized July 4, 1876 in San Francisco. The first Congress of the National Society was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 30, 1889 which was the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s taking of the oath of office of President of the United States.

IASSAR History

On July 6, 1893 nine gentlemen met in the Horticulture Room of Iowa’s state capitol in Des Moines to discuss organizing the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (IASSAR). The result was the creation of a temporary society. Subcommittees were created including one to examine credentials of prospective members and another to draft a constitution and by-laws.

On September 5, 1893 a Charter was granted by the National Society and the Registrar of the Iowa Society submitted a roster of 25 eligible individuals who were elected to membership including six Real Sons of the Revolution.

Wesley J. Banks
James W. Logan
Ira B. Ryan
Noah B. Bacon
John D. Bates
James Dolson

SAR markers were placed on their graves in 1981.

At its peak in 1930, the IASSAR had 450 active members in eight chapters: Sioux City, Des Moines, Keokuk, Ames, Waterloo, Fort Dodge, Council Bluffs and Nevada. By 1964 the only remaining active chapter was Sioux City. That same year the Herbert Hoover Chapter was formed. At the next Board of management meeting we are of re-activating both the Central Iowa Chapter in Des Moines and the Herbert Hoover Chapter to cover Eastern Iowa.

Our Purpose

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was organized on April 30, 1889, to ” perpetuate the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American People.”

What We Do

We decorate the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots. We support excellence in teaching of American history. We participate in patriotic observances. We support research and preservation of historic material relating to the men and women who fought or gave service for Independence in the American Revolutionary War.