
The Caloosa SAR Chapter
Chartered in January 1973, the Caloosa Chapter of the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution serves Lee County and Southwest Florida. Since its founding, the Chapter has promoted patriotism, historical education, citizenship, Constitution observances, and recognition of community service. Its name honors the Caloosa people who historically lived in the Estero Bay and Mound Key region.
History of the Caloosa Chapter, SAR
The Caloosa Chapter of the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution was chartered in January 1973 as the eighteenth chapter of the Florida Society SAR. Its formation followed organizational meetings held during 1972 and reflected a desire among local compatriots to establish an active Sons of the American Revolution presence in Southwest Florida.
The Chapter’s organizing president was Sidney Scott King, Jr. Before retiring to Fort Myers Beach, Compatriot King had become a member of the SAR in 1952 and had served as president of both the Richard Montgomery Chapter in Dayton, Ohio, and the George Washington Chapter in Alexandria, Virginia. After arriving in the Fort Myers area, he sought out existing SAR members and men with potential eligibility for membership, helping build the foundation for the new Chapter.
The Chapter’s charter was formally presented during a Charter Night Banquet held on February 22, 1973, attended by 38 members. The name “Caloosa” honors the Indigenous people who historically inhabited Southwest Florida, including the Mound Key area of Estero Bay in present-day Lee County. From its earliest years, the Caloosa Chapter has pursued the patriotic, historical, and educational objectives of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Chapter has participated in patriotic observances, supported Americanism and student programs, and recognized the service of first responders and community.
In 1974, the Chapter organized a luncheon held on or near September 17 to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution. Local DAR chapters were invited to participate, and local leaders—including the Lee County Commissioners and the mayors of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel—issued proclamations declaring September 17–23 to be Constitution Week and encouraging public participation in the observance. The Chapter has also promoted Allegiance Sunday observances in local churches.
During America’s Bicentennial year in 1976, the Chapter helped promote a naturalization ceremony in Fort Myers. On July 2, 1976, 59 new citizens took the oath of citizenship at the Exhibition Hall in Fort Myers, with Federal Judge Ben Krentsman of Tampa officiating. This event reflected the Chapter’s commitment to citizenship, patriotism, and the enduring principles of American self-government.
Today, the Caloosa Chapter continues that legacy by serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, and surrounding areas of Lee County. Through meetings, commemorations, educational efforts, fellowship, and community service, the Chapter works to preserve the memory of Revolutionary War Patriots and to promote an understanding of the principles of liberty and constitutional government they helped establish.