Written by DJH   

Eastern Region Virginia SAR

Central Region | Eastern Region | Frontier Region | Northern Region

The Eastern Region of the Virginia SAR consists of eight chapters in the Northern Neck, Hampton Roads and Tidewater portion of the Commonwealth. The Eastern Virginia saw several significant events during the Revolutionary War from 1774 to 1783, most notably the Siege at Yorktown. Chapter compatriots support their communities through historical observances and commemorative events, youth and education programs, service to veterans, and first responders throughout the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia.

Independent Cities in the Eastern Region Virginia SAR include: Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.

Counties included in the eastern region of Virginia are: Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Mathews County, Southampton County, and York County.

Significant Rev War Events for the Eastern Region 

Here are just a few of the many battles fought (and now commemorated on anniversaries) within the Virginia Colony. In 2025, the SAR will participate in special 250th Anniversary Commemorations of events that occurred in 1775. Don't miss out bringing your family and friends to see these unique experiences.

  • Gunpowder Incident (April 20, 1775) - A standoff in Williamsburg where Virginia’s governor, Lord Dunmore, removed gunpowder from the magazine to a Royal Navy ship.
  • Battle of Kemp’s Landing (November 14, 1775) - A British victory where Lord Dunmore’s forces defeated the Patriots.
  • Battle of Great Bridge (December 9, 1775) - A significant Patriot victory that forced Lord Dunmore to evacuate Norfolk.
  • Battle of Gwynn's Island (July 8–10, 1776) - This battle saw the defeat of Lord Dunmore's forces, leading to the end of British control in Virginia
  • Battle of the Chesapeake (or Battle of the Capes) (May 5, 1781) - This crucial naval battle and French victory was strategically decisive as it prevented the British from reinforcing or evacuating their besieged forces at Yorktown, Virginia.
  • Battle of Green Spring (July 6, 1781) - A battle near Jamestown where British forces under Cornwallis clashed with American troops led by Lafayette.
  • Siege of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781) - The decisive battle where American and French forces besieged General Cornwallis’s army, leading to the British surrender and effectively ending the war.

Chapters of the Eastern Region

 Chapter Name  Communities Web Facebook YouTube
Great Bridge Chesapeake area      
James Monroe Colonial Beach / Upper Northern Neck area      
Nansemond Indian Patriots Nansemond Indian Nation
/ Isle of Wright / Suffolk area		   Public Page  
Norfolk Norfolk / Virginia Beach area      
Rappahannock Middle Peninsula / Rappahannock River area   Public Page  
Richard Henry Lee Lower Northern Neck Heritage Area (Lancaster County, Northumberland County, lower Richmond County)   Public Page  
Thomas Nelson Jr. Newport News / Hampton area   Public Page  
Williamsburg Williamsburg / Yorktown area  Website Public Page  

 

Great Bridge Chapter SAR

One of Virginia SAR's newest chapters, the Great Bridge Chapter SAR was chartered on December 2, 2023 and is named in honor of the Battle of Great Bridge. In December 2025, the chapter will be hosting celebrations of the 250th Anniversary of the event.

James Monroe Chapter SAR

Chartered circa 1981 and named in honor of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States and patriot of the American Revolution, the chapter serves compatriots and the community near Colonial Beach and Northern Neck area.

The James Monroe Chapter SAR was awarded the 2022 President General's Education Outreach Award and Streamer for its excellence in its youth and education programs.

Nansemond Indian Patriots Chapter SAR 

The only SAR chapter named in honor of the indigenous people within the SAR.  Chartered on August 11, 2018, the chapter serves the Nansemond Indian Nation, Isle of Wright County and Suffolk area.

Norfolk Chapter SAR 

One of the state's oldest chapters, the Norfolk Chapter SAR chartered on February 8, 1924, is dedicated to preserving the legacy and values of the American Revolution. With a steadfast commitment to honoring our nation's history, the chapter actively supports its compatriots through various initiatives, including educational programs, community service, and patriotic events. By engaging with local communities in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, the Norfolk Chapter fosters a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of our ancestors and continues to inspire the next generation with the principles of liberty, patriotism, and civic responsibility.

The Norfolk Chapter SAR is a two-time recipient (2022, 2023) of the President General's Education Outreach Award and Streamer for its excellence in its youth and education programs.

Rappahannock Chapter SAR

The Rappahannock Chapter SAR, chartered October 17, 2015, proudly serves the Middle Peninsula and Rappahannock River area, dedicated to upholding the enduring legacy of the American Revolution. Through its tireless efforts in community engagement, historical education, and patriotic activities, the chapter supports its compatriots and enriches the local community. By fostering a deep respect for our nation's founding principles, the Rappahannock Chapter inspires civic responsibility and honors the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom.

Richard Henry Lee Chapter, Virginia SAR

Since its charter on May 8, 1976, the Richard Henry Lee Chapter, Virginia SAR, proudly serves the Lower Northern Neck Heritage Area, encompassing Lancaster County, Northumberland County, and lower Richmond County. This chapter is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the American Revolution. Through community engagement, educational outreach, and patriotic celebrations, the chapter honors the legacy of our forebears and supports its members. By fostering a sense of historical awareness and civic pride, the Richard Henry Lee Chapter ensures that the sacrifices and achievements of the past continue to inspire future generations.  (NOTE: Another state has a similar named chapter and thus we distinguish this chapter will the state society's name included.)

The Richard Henry Lee Chapter, Virginia SAR was awarded the 2022 President General's Education Outreach Award and Streamer for its excellence in its youth and education programs.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter SAR 

The Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter SAR is dedicated to honoring the legacy of one of our nation's Founding Fathers, Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a key figure in the American Revolution. Serving the local Hampton and Newport News communities with a deep commitment to historical preservation, education, and patriotic activities, the chapter celebrates the spirit of independence and the values that shaped our country. Through engaging events, educational programs, and community outreach, the Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter SAR fosters a sense of pride and appreciation for our revolutionary heritage, ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors continue to inspire future generations.

Williamsburg Chapter SAR

The Williamsburg Chapter SAR stands proudly as a beacon of patriotism and historical preservation in the Williamsburg and Yorktown areas. Dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of our revolutionary ancestors, the chapter actively engages with the community through educational initiatives, commemorative events, and patriotic activities. By fostering a deep appreciation for the principles of liberty and independence, the Williamsburg Chapter ensures that the rich history of the American Revolution remains a vibrant and integral part of our cultural heritage, inspiring future generations to uphold the values that shaped our nation.

President General's Education Outreach Award and Streamer

— These Eastern Region chapters that have presented a certain number of new historical presentations or that have presented an existing presentation in a new venue or to a new audience. Virginia SAR chapter award winners include:

2023: Norfolk Chapter
2022: James Monroe Chapter, Norfolk Chapter, Richard Henry Lee Chapter