It was a cold Monday afternoon on December 12, 1892, when a small group of Columbus ladies donned their hats and gloves to gather at the home of General Henry L. Benning at the determined insistence of his daughter, Miss Anna Caroline, their purpose being to organize a DAR chapter. Miss Benning presided, and was elected the first Chapter Regent. This became the sixth chapter organized in Georgia, and there were 23 charter members. The chapter was named Oglethorpe in memory of General James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia.

The actual date chosen for the founding of the Oglethorpe Chapter was Sunday, December 11, in commemoration of the organization of the Committee of Safety on Sunday, December 11, 1775; but since the date fell on Sunday, Miss Benning and the other ladies chose to wait until Monday to hold their meeting.

Did you know the Oglethorpe Chapter now has members in 14 states as well as the countries of The Netherlands, Germany, and Japan?

The Oglethorpe Chapter is proud of its history, heritage, and namesake, General James Edward Oglethorpe. Although some may find it ironic our chapter is named after a British General, General Oglethorpe was not only the founder of Georgia, but a philanthropist, social reformer and ardent supporter of Georgia.