Our Chapter

The Barnard Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, National Number 3009 GA was organized November 10, 1921. Claude Gibson Alford (Mrs. G.F.) had been appointed Organizing Regent by National Headquarters and labored faithfully. Of the twelve charter members, seven were Alfords by birth or marriage. It was a family affair! The chapter was first named Sylvester Chapter, and it bore that name until January 1927,
when a historic name, “Barnard Trail”, was approved by National Headquarters. Timothy Barnard’s settlement was found on the Flint River east of Columbus and his trail ran through Macon County and into Worth County near a camping and hunting grounds named San Barnard. This location was also the first county seat of Worth.

Some events in the history of our chapter stand out. On Feb. 21, 1930, the chapter unveiled a marker on Highway 82 where the vestige of an ancient trail crossed this highway in our county. This was the Thigpen Trail, opened in 1703-04 to allow the passage of traders and military supplies for troops during times of Indian troubles. A bronze plaque was fastened to a large granite boulder brought from Stone Mountain for this purpose, and though it has been moved from its original location, it still stands to mark this trail. In 1934, the Chapter published a history of Worth County, 1854-1934, and in 1976, a second volume covering the years 1934 -1974 was published. This was the Chapter’s main contribution to the Nation’s Bicentennial. In 2005, we received from the estate of chapter member Elizabeth Ford Leary her 1902 home to be used as our Chapter House. Celebrating our 100th Anniversary in 2021 was a special day as we displayed our Patriot Tree, scrapbooks, and many other items. We were honored to welcome members of the Knox-Conway Chapter in Ashburn when our chapters merged.

Throughout our years, the daughters of Barnard Trail have continued to work and present the ideals of God, Home, and Country!