General William Campbell Chapter SAR

The General William Campbell Chapter SAR was chartered in February 17, 1990 and is one of seven chapters in the Frontier Region.

Proudly serving compatriots and the communities around Chilhowie, Virginia, the location of Campbell's Home and Grave, and throughout the area near the Town of Abingdon, which is home to The Abingdon Muster Grounds, the location where a volunteer militia mustered September 24, 1780, before joining the Revolutionary War. The Muster Grounds serve as the northern trailhead for the 330-mile Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The trail traces the route used by patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780, which helped decide the outcome of the Revolutionary War.

Oil painting by Robert Wilson (artist) of William Campbell Preston, who is said to have closely resembled his grandfather, Brigadier General William Campbell, of whom no likeness can he found. Courtesy of Kings Mountain National Park Our chapter honors the name of General William Campbell (SAR Patriot P-128056), a signer of the Fincastle Resolutions, and who‘s fame grew as “the bloody tyrant of Washington County” as he led his militia to victory at the Battle of King‘s Mountain.

The chapter has received numerous honors from the National Society at recent Annual Congress awards banquet to include:

President General's Chapter Activities Award (2021 - winner; 2022 - honorable mention)
President General's Cup (2023 - 3rd place), which goes to the chapter, based upon size, with the most complete program of activities.
President General’s Education Outreach Award and Streamer (2022, 2023) for its outstanding youth and education programs.
Liberty Bell Americanism Award (2023) awarded by the National Society to the chapter, based upon size, that presents evidence of best implementing SAR resolutions and principles.
The Ohanesian History Presentations Award (2022) recognizing its members who collectively made the most oral presentations on any aspect of the American Revolution to classes/groups in schools (K-12) in their respective geographic service areas.

Our chapter meetings are often held at the Riverfront Restaurant in Chilhowie, Va.

Chapter President / Regional Color Guard Commander: John Gullion

Important Locations and Patriots

Battle of King's Mountain Marker at Abingdon Muster Grounds. [HMdb.org page] The chapter received special recognition for its part in installation of this marker honoring William Edmiston and Virginia militia.
Campbell's Home. [HMdb.org page] Aspenvale, the home of General William Campbell, hero of King's Mountain battle, stood a few yards east of this spot. In the graveyard near by General Campbell and soldiers of five wars are buried.
Overlook Mountain National Historic Trail. [NPS.gov] Stretching 330-miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by Patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780.
Fort Chiswell. Location for the signing of the Fincastle Resolutions. See the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association Regional Research Center
Private John Broddy. Man of color who served with Col. William Campbell; see SAR PRS entry.

Chapter Donations

Your support of our local chapter can make a profound impact. By donating, you contribute to preserving the legacy of the American Revolution and honoring the patriotism and sacrifice of our forefathers. These funds will aid in educational initiatives, community outreach, and historical preservation efforts. Every dollar helps us keep history alive for future generations. Please consider donating today and join us in our mission to remember and commemorate the heroes who paved the way for our nation's independence. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Our chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.