The American Revolution in Illinois?
On Tuesday, March 19, members of the Signal Hill, NSDAR Chapter in Barrington, IL, learned how near the American Revolutionary War came to their future doorsteps. The members' program, held at the Barrington Area Library, was a first person historical recollection of George Rogers Clark's militia into the Illinois Territory, presented by Paul Nelson, who portrayed Captain Joseph L. Bowman.
"Capt. Bowman" educated the members on the strategic necessity of capturing forts in Kaskaskia and Cahokia, IL, as well as Fort Sackville, in today's Vincennes, IN, to secure Mississippi River access, as well as rallying French and anti-British Indians to the Revolutionary cause.
Dressed in historically appropriate clothing, the speaker spent nearly an hour explaining the strategy, logistics, and outcomes of various tactics and sieges, concluding with the thought that present day Midwestern statehoods were greatly defined by the outcome and presence of Clark's Illinois Militia.
During the question and answer period, Mr. Nelson explained the contents of his bedroll/back pack, and some of the antique items, which he carried with him as a portrayer of Capt. Bowman. Some of the members of the Signal Hill Chapter descend from members of that Illinois Militia, who fought alongside Clark.
Signal Hill, NSDAR, is a philanthropic organization that raises funds throughout the year and distributes to 501 (c) (3) organizations, supporting the national organization's mission of education, historic preservation, patriotism, conservation, and Native American issues. The chapter was founded in 1972, and is dedicated to preserving history, promoting patriotism, conservation and historic awareness in our community, and securing America's future through better education for children. Membership is established through approval of documentation of direct lineage from an American Revolutionary War Patriot.
For information, visit https://signalhilldar.com/ or contact Jacqueline Marcus at j9marcus@aol.com.