WASHINGTON, DC – Of the many Revolutionary War patriots celebrated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the story of Margaret Corbin is one in which the DAR has played a significant role in honoring her legacy and telling her story. It is a story that now has a new chapter. Following a construction disturbance at the Margaret Corbin gravesite at West Point, an extensive archeological and forensic study by the U.S. Army has revealed that the remains interred at West Point in 1926 are in fact not those of Margaret Corbin but rather an unidentifiable man from the colonial era.

The U.S. Army’s complete forensic report related to the archaeological recovery around the Margaret Corbin Monument is available on the website of the U.S. Military Academy. 

The DAR will join with the Army National Military Cemeteries and the U.S. Military Academy to plan a rededication ceremony at the Margaret Corbin Monument at the West Point Cemetery in the spring to rededicate the valor of Margaret Corbin. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DAR Margaret Corbin Day wreath-laying ceremony held by the New York State Officers Club for the past 90 years.

“We see this recent discovery as an opportunity to spread even greater awareness of Margaret Corbin’s contributions to our nation,” said DAR President General Ann Dillon. “We look forward to working with the Army National Military Cemeteries and the U.S. Military Academy on future efforts to educate the public about Margaret Corbin and honor her legacy.” 

The recent discovery about the remains at the West Point Cemetery do not detract from Margaret Corbin’s heroic contributions to the Revolutionary War nor from the DAR’s incredible effort to call greater attention to honoring her legacy, but they do introduce a new mystery into the final resting place of her remains.

To learn more about the history of Margaret Corbin and the subsequent efforts to honor her legacy visit www.dar.org/MargaretCorbin.  

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The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to winning American independence. Through the organization’s objectives of historic preservation, education and patriotism, the DAR strives to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations with nearly 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.