Membership - johnbelldar.org

The Wisconsin Heights Battlefield is where the last battle of the 1832 Blackhawk War occurred. This monument was restored and rededicated in 2010.

The Wisconsin Heights Battlefield monument circa 1923.

The surrounding images show plaques placed by John Bell Chapter, NSDAR, in preservation of the histories of Plough Inn, American House, and local pioneer travel.

Madison House

The Peck family is credited with building the first house in Madison (also known as the Peck Cabin), which later became known as the Madison House. In 1958, a bronze plaque was installed on a building located at the site of the original cabin and hotel on Webster Street. Unfortunately, this plaque was later stolen. When we replaced it on August 24, 1981, the entire block had been redeveloped into a state office building. The patio of this building is where you can find the plaque today.

Madison Hotel

For our centennial anniversary in 2001, we placed a bronze plaque at the site of the Madison Hotel in downtown Madison. This hotel was in operation from 1837 until 1863 and was the second hotel in Madison. You can find the plaque on the building next to the Majestic Theater, in the first block of King Street off the Capitol Square.

American House

American House was the third hotel to be built in Madison. It was located on the northeast corner of East Washington Avenue and Pinckney Street. Its plaque is affixed to the Old American Exchange Bank building, which now stands in the same location as the original hotel once stood.

Additional Bronze Plaques placed by John Bell Chapter, NSDAR, can be viewed at the following locations throughout Madison:

• Indian Effigy Mounds, Forest Hill Cemetery

• Old Spring Tavern, Nakoma Road

• Plough Inn, 3402 Monroe Street (Replaced in 1973)

• Memorial honoring covered wagon pioneers, Monona Terrace Convention Center Walkway

Preserving History

John Bell Chapter, NSDAR, has a legacy of preserving history by placing bronze markers in places of historical significance; if you are a resident of Madison, you have probably seen them around town. You can also spot our chapter name in the rooftop garden of Monona Terrace, where we are proud to have an inscribed tile (section 43; see image on right).

Several of the plaques we have placed are located at the sites of Madison's first three hotels:

Our Projects

Preserving History Supporting Education Promoting Patriotism

Supporting Education

Every year, John Bell Chapter, NSDAR, recognizes remarkable students and teachers in our community through the DAR American History Essay, DAR Good Citizens, and Outstanding Teacher of American History contests. We honor our essay winners, Good Citizens and Outstanding Teacher with medals, pins, and certificates at a chapter luncheon.

Additionally, we honor four outstanding college ROTC Cadets chosen by the University of Wisconsin ROTC program. The ROTC Cadets are presented with gold medals and certificates at the ROTC Awards Ceremony held on the UW campus.

We also work to provide financial support to DAR schools nationwide.

Promoting Patriotism

John Bell Chapter, NSDAR, appreciates the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and veterans. We sign and distribute birthday and holiday cards to the veterans at the Madison VA Hospital and Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. We also assemble care packages for active-duty personnel and veterans.

Our chapter is proud to have two deputies on the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Committee at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. Additionally, we belong to and have representation on the Madison Veterans Council.

You’ll see our members in the community at veteran-centered ceremonies and activities such as Wreaths Across America, the Badger Honor Flight Welcome Home Celebration, and Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at the State Capitol.

Our chapter is invited to attend the Naturalization ceremony held annually in Madison, where we give small American flags to our new citizens and their families. We also distribute flags and flag pins at the Concerts on the Square Fourth of July concert.