Chapter History

The Arrowhead Valley Chapter 

The Arrowhead Valley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized on December 7, 2002, by the merger of the Arrowhead Chapter, NSDAR with the San Bernardino Chapter, NSDAR. Both chapters bring long and illustrious histories to the merged, dynamic Arrowhead Valley Chapter, NSDAR.

 Arrowhead National Landmark, San Bernardino Mountains

Arrowhead Chapter, NSDAR, was organized on April 19, 1917, on the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the “shot heard round the world.” The San Bernardino Chapter, NSDAR, was organized soon after on March 20, 1920.

During WWII, the San Bernardino Chapter, NSDAR, purchased and cut 50,000 yards of surgical dressings for the war effort. This was in addition to their donations of bathrobes, personal bags, and flannel pajamas, all the while keeping up with the local, state, and national requirements for DAR. Arrowhead Chapter, NSDAR, was also active in the war effort, though the records have been lost.

The Inland California area has a great deal of early California history. Arrowhead Chapter, NSDAR, placed many historical markers including Asistencia San Bernardino de Sena marker in 1930, Guachama Rancheria marker in 1932, First Lugonia School marker in 1935, Casa Loma Hotel marker in 1963, Prospect Park marker in 1989, and Redlands Liberty Pole marker in 1995. In addition, DAR Real Daughters markers are on the graves of Malvina K. Rowell (1816 – 1901) and Laura Baker Strong (1786– 1883) at Hillside Memorial Park located in Redlands, California. Arrowhead Valley Chapter, NSDAR serves as stewards for these DAR Real Daughters gravesites; there are only eight DAR Real Daughters known to be buried in California.

The symbol pertaining to our chapter's name is a natural quartz landmark located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It has been a San Bernardino Valley symbol for centuries to indigenous people, pioneers and settlers. There are many legends about the arrowhead passed down by the indigenous people. One is they believed that the Great Spirit selected a place, had an arrow that was to guide them to the spot where they were to live, and affixed it to the mountain. The indigenous people also believed that the Arrowhead pointed the way to the hot springs below with their healing properties and thus considered it holy ground. It remains a symbol of the pioneering spirit of the San Bernardino Valley.