Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR
Casper, Wyoming
Keeping Traditions Since 1914
Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, was organized and approved by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) on September 25, 1914, with the first meeting held on May 28, 1914. The chapter was originally named “Fort Casper” (wth an “e” rather than an “a”) in honor of Lieutenant Caspar Collins, who lost his life trying to rescue a wagon train coming into the local fort. In 1936, the city of Casper rejuvenated the fort and named it Fort Caspar. The chapter corrected the spelling, which was approved by member vote and by the National Society. The current membership is over 100 and growing, including three descendants of founding member and Honorary State Regent, Mrs. B.B. Brooks.
Members participate in areas of personal interest that also promote DAR objectives such as service to veterans, genealogy, literacy, community service, conservation, national defense, and historic preservation. Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, has earned four national awards: 3rd place for Historic Preservation (2018), 3rd place for American Heritage/Fiber Arts (2019), and 2nd place for American Heritage/Fiber Arts (2020). One chapter member has been presented a DAR Historic Preservation Recognition Award.
Chapter Daughters serve in chapter, state, and national positions, including Northwest Division Genealogical Records Vice Chair and Junior American Citizens Vice Chair; Wyoming State Society Corresponding Secretary and State Historian; and several state committee chairs,
ABOUT CASPER
According to the 2020 census, Casper is the second largest city in Wyoming and is nicknamed “The Oil City.” The city has a long history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture, dating back to the development of the nearby Salt Creek Oil Field in the early 1900s. Casper is the childhood home of Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States under George W. Bush, and his wife, Lynne Cheney.
Casper was recognized in 2023 with the Family Travel Award as one of the best mountain towns in the American West. Under the “Breathtaking Western Regions” category, Casper received the “True West Town” title.
Casper is located in central Wyoming on the North Platte River. The city is located at the only point where the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails intersected during the westward expansion of the mid-1800s.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
On July 5, 1920, the Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, dedicated this monument marking the Oregon Trail and honoring the memory of Lieutenant Caspar W. Collins. Lieutenant Collins was killed by Sioux Indians near this spot on July 26, 1866. Pictured left to right: Mrs. Thomas Cooper, past Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR Regent; Mrs. B. B. Brooks, Wyoming State Regent; unidentified man; and Grace Raymond Hebard.
The Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, held a centennial rededication for the Oregon Trail monument in 2020. The great-granddaughter and great-great-granddaughter of Mrs. B.B. Brooks (both currently members of Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR) participated in the rededication ceremony. The four-foot marker was moved to its current location at Memorial Park in Mills, Wyoming, sometime in the 1980’s.
Fort Caspar
Headstone dedication at Fort Caspar Cemetery for nine soldiers who were killed at Platte Bridge Station in 1865.
Anna Swanson
Dedication of plaque honoring the service of Anna Swanson, Wyoming’s Hello Girl of World War I.
Zorn Memorial
Dedication of memorial to the Zorn Crew, whose World War II training mission crashed on Casper Mountain.
Clean-Up Day
Cleaning headstones at Fort Caspar Cemetery.
American Heritage
2nd Place, National Award
American Heritage/ Fiber Arts Contest
“Women’s First Right to Vote: Wyoming 1869”
The Fort Caspar quilt placed 2nd in the American Heritage/Fiber Arts Contest sponsored by the National Society DAR.
EDUCATION
Grants, Scholarships, and Contests
The Daughters of the American Revolutions offers numerous scholarships, grants, and contests throughout the year:
- Spring 2025 Classroom Grant Awards –. Classroom teachers, Grades K-12. Applications accepted through March 15,2025. Extended deadline: April 25.
- 2025 American Revolution Legacy Grants – Closed January 31, 2025. Educators and administrators, PreK-16.
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- Legacy Grant FAQS
- Legacy Grant Application Infographic
- Legacy Grant Application Aid
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- Higher Education Scholarships – Closed January 31, 2025.
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- General Scholarship Information
- Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Scholarships
- History, Economics, Government & Political Science Scholarships
- Medical, Nursing and Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarships
- American Indian Scholarships
- Merit Scholarship
- Children and Step Children of DAR Members Scholarship
- Specific Scholarships
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PATRIOTISM
Naturalization Ceremonies
Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, members welcome new United States citizens at naturalization ceremonies held throughout the year at the United State District Court, District of Wyoming, in Casper.
Bells Across America
Fort Caspar Daughters invite community members to share in the tradition of “Bells Across America,” an annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Participants gather to ring bells, much as the church bells of Philadelphia rang out when the U.S. Constitution was first signed at 4 pm on September 17, 1787.
Wreaths Across America
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution partners with “Wreaths Across America.” Locally, members help place wreaths at four Casper cemeteries in December of each year. Click here to learn more about this program that honors veterans.
Fort Caspar Chapter, NSDAR, also delivers Appreciation Wreaths to the the local Army, Marine, and Air Force recruiting centers. In addition, a wreath was delivered to Kelly Walsh High School for the school’s “Ring of Honor,” which honors alumni who have been killed in action.
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