About Our Chapter

The General William Smallwood Chapter fulfills the mission and ideals of Sons of the American Revolution and its Maryland society in Montgomery County, Maryland. Chartered by Congress in 1889, Sons of the American Revolution is a non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the largest male lineage society in the United States. Membership is open to males who can document their bloodline lineage to a male or female ancestor who supported the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War.

The General William Smallwood Chapter supports the study and preservation of American history, patriotic values, youth leadership development, and public service. Our community programming includes:

• Ceremonially marking the graves of 18th century Patriots who supported the cause of American independence
• Youth contests to encourage the study of the Revolutionary era
• Recognition of outstanding citizens engaged in public service and acts of heroisms
• Recognition of outstanding youths who contribute to their schools and communities and uphold the ideals of our Patriot forefathers
• Coordination of an annual Memorial Day observance

The members of the Smallwood Chapter meet quarterly for dinner and fellowship. Our meetings often include guest lectures on topics of historical significance and the presentation of awards to members of the community. Meetings are open to all members and their families, as well as prospective members and members of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.).

Our chapter namesake is Major General William Smallwood (1732-1792), the highest ranking Marylander in the Revolutionary War. General Smallwood led the legendary Maryland 400 at the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776. In an act of tremendous heroism and sacrifice, the Maryland 400 provided cover to General George Washington and his soldiers as they escaped a much larger and well-armed force of British troops. Upon General Smallwood’s death, The Maryland Gazette printed the following eulogy, "Prominent as a soldier, wise and dedicated as a statesman, inflexible as a patriot, he uniformly distinguished himself in the Cabinet and the field and through various vicissitudes of a long and doubtful war, maintained and possessed the confidence and applause of his country."