About Our Chapter And Our Area
Captain Jesse Leavenworth Chapter DAR is located in the city of Leavenworth, just south of historic Fort Leavenworth, the oldest continuously operating fort west of the Mississippi River. Leavenworth is the oldest city in Kansas, and was established in 1854.
Colonel Henry Leavenworth
Our chapter is named for Captain Jesse Leavenworth, the father of the 1827 founder
of Fort Leavenworth, Colonel Henry Leavenworth.
Buffalo Soldiers Monument
Fort Leavenworth is considered one of the most beautiful and well-maintained forts in the United States. It contains
several historical sites, including the Frontier Army Museum, Santa Fe and Oregon trail cuts, the National Cemetery, and
the Buffalo Soldiers Monument, dedicated by General
Colin Powell in 1992 to honor the African-American soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments.
Captain Jesse Leavenworth chapter was organized 23 October 1906. Miss Ruth Johns, of the
National Military Home, was elected Regent. The name was selected both for the relationship
to our local area (Fort Leavenworth) and the Revolutionary service of
Captain Jesse Leavenworth.
Among early members was a "Real Daughter" -- Frances Bush Loveland
-- whose Revolutionary Ancestor was her father, Ziba Bush
of Massachusetts. Ziba Bush served under General George Washington at the Battle of Monmouth.
In 1903, a historic stone wall at Fort Leavenworth was threatened. The wall was located at the site where Colonel
Leavenworth's command built a similar wall of rough stones and logs to guard against possible attacks by the Indians.
As late as 1849, the late P. G. Lowe, who went to the post with the First Dragoons as an enlisted man, mentions the
wall and its loop-holes. An effort was made in 1903 to have the wall removed, and this brought about its restoration
by the Captain Jesse Leavenworth Chapter. The wall is quite thick, with apertures at frequent intervals. A marker was
placed there by the Captain Jesse Leavenworth chapter in 1917.
During World War I, members of our chapter were active in war work. Several members joined
the American Red Cross first aid unit, and others aided in operating a recreation center
for soldiers stationed at Fort Leavenworth.
In 1924, after the passing of the chapter's Real Daughter, Frances Bush Loveland, a DAR
bronze tablet on a marble shaft was placed over her grave in Soldier Cemetery, Soldier,
Kansas.
World War II found members of our chapter active making surgical dressing and raising
money for the blood plasma fund to aid our soldiers.
A bronze tablet was placed upon the gates to the military post:
Our chapter has continued its commitment to our nation's soldiers and the history of
our area throughout the years.
Our chapter is proud of our service to America's veterans. Here, members of the chapter participate in an annual Valentine's party for veterans at the VA in Leavenworth.
Since 1913, Captain Jesse Leavenworth Chapter has been an active participant in the DAR
American History Essay Contest, awarding medals annually to young people. We also give
DAR Good Citizen awards to area high school sudent winners.
For over eighty years, our chapter has presented medals to the Leavenworth High School
Junior ROTC program.
Our chapter meets from September through May on the third Saturday of the month. Meetings
begin at 10:00 a.m. Prospective members are always welcome. Please
email us for more information.
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