New DAR Chapter Announced in Greenwich: Horseneck Daughters of the American Revolution

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is pleased to announce the formation of a new DAR in Greenwich, the Horseneck DAR Chapter. This name represents a chapter in the history of Greenwich:

“Horseneck” is an old name for the town of Greenwich; it originally encompassed the land between the original settlement of what is today’s Old Greenwich and the western border along the shore of the Byram River and was used as a pasture for horses in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The name of the historic community of Greenwich was not changed from Horseneck to Greenwich until 1848, when the train first arrived and Horseneck was deemed too provincial.

Pictured: Members of the Horseneck DAR at a recent summer event. Contributed

During the American Revolution, Horseneck was used as an American supply base for food and ammunition and is referenced in many pension applications. The Battle of Horseneck was fought on February 26, 1779. On the 25 th , William Tryon, the royal governor of New York, landed with 600 light infantries at Horseneck Landing to conduct a raid. A 30-man American patrol made contact with Tryon’s infantry at New Rochelle, NY, and then withdrew back to
Horseneck Landing, where Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam attempted a stand with 150 militia and several guns. However, the British attacked and destroyed the saltworks and three small ships, ransacked the settlement and carried off about 200 head of cattle and horses.

Quoted from: Almanac of American Military History, Volume 1, p 321, By Spencer Tucker The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 as a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, patriotism, and honoring patriots of the Revolutionary War. Women become members to honor their heritage as well as make a difference in their community. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to
securing independence for the United States of America. Any woman, 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join, this includes soldiers as well as those who aided the cause.

The Horseneck DAR Chapter, while awaiting for the formal name to be approved, kept busy with many community projects: Wreaths were placed at the gravesites of Revolutionary Soldiers at the Old Burying Ground Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America celebration in December, Valentine candy bags were delivered to the healthcare workers at Nathaniel Witherell, Easter candy bags were delivered to the healthcare workers at Greenwich Hospital,
and Flags/flowers were delivered to the families of veterans on Memorial Day at the Eugene Morlot Park in Byram. Future projects include partnerships with various local organizations. The Regent of the Horseneck Chapter, Karen Shapiro, is “excited about the opportunities for this new organization in Greenwich to serve our community and promote the DAR mission.”

Christy Anderson Hendrie, Connecticut DAR State Regent, also commented, ” We are thrilled to welcome these women to the DAR and to the new Horseneck DAR Chapter in Greenwich.

Another new chapter was begun in Stonington, Connecticut in February, 2020. Now with 41 chapters across Connecticut, the DAR mission of Historic Preservation, Patriotism and Education resonates, especially as our nation heads to its 250th Anniversary in 5 short years.”

The Horseneck DAR Chapter welcomes new members to join as Charter Members. Contact Mrs. Jolene Mullen, Connecticut State Chair, Chapter Development and Revitalization Committee, Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution at [email protected] if you would like to discuss membership in the new Horseneck DAR Chapter.