Message From President General John Dodd
The Patriots who supported the American Revolution were not only hardy New Englanders or resourceful Southern backwoodsmen. Many other groups aided the Patriot cause. King Carlos III of Spain supported the Revolution so many in Spanish North America advanced the Patriot cause by overt acts of resistance to Great Britain’s authority.
The SAR welcomes as members proven descendants of the Spanish army or colonial militia who served in a presidio or garrison in what is presently the United States of America, as well as those who made a donativo contribution or served under Gen. Bernardo de Galvez, including participating in the cattle drive from Texas to help feed the Patriots. Please see our Genealogy policies for qualifying categories of service. Spanish forces also served in Cuba and other portions of the Carribean. The SAR recently added this category as eligible for membership.
There are many resources available to assist you in researching your Hispanic Patriot Ancestor. Some are linked here. We also present a few SAR members’ stories of their Hispanic Patriot Ancestor. Please contact your local SAR chapter for help in documenting your SAR lineage. Other SAR members have expertise in this specialized genealogical research and are ready to assist local chapters. Please join us in celebrating the contributions of your ancestor to the Patriot cause by becoming a member of the SAR.
John L. Dodd President General 2023-2024
Additional Resources
Galvez Statue Project by the Texas Society SAR
Spain and the American Revolution: New Approaches and Perspectives
Selections from the Collection Video: Pattern 1753 Spanish Pistol
