LCRA, City, DAR Join Forces For Plaque Honoring Local Revolutionary War Soldier

LCRA representatives present a $5,414 grant to the Smith-McMillan Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for a new bronze plaque to honor a local Revolutionary War hero. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Jamie Moreau and Sally Reynolds, chapter members; Carolyn Caflisch, chapter regent; Melissa K. Blanding and Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board members; Jackie Head, chapter treasurer; Cathleen Tutt, chapter parliamentarian; Kathy Schatte, chapter vice regent; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative.

The Smith-McMillan Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution soon will purchase and install a bronze plaque honoring John Sorrell, a Fayette County resident who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, thanks to a $5,414 grant from the Lower Colorado RiverAuthority and City of La Grange.

The community grant, along with $1,353 in matching funds from the DAR chapter, will enable the organization to install the 30”x30” plaque on a post in the northeast corner of the Fayette County Courthouse grounds near memorials that honor Fayette County veterans who served in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The marker will help educate residents and visitors about John Sorrell, a local resident who served in the Continental Army in North Carolina and the Revolutionary War while also celebrating the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The plaque is part of the DAR America 250 Patriots Marker project, an initiative to honor the courage and sacrifice of men and women who fought for American independence. By creating a coast-to-coast network of Patriot Markers, the project seeks to preserve the memory of those who contributed to the founding of the United States.

One of the key missions of the DAR is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. DAR Regent Carolyn Caflisch said this project reflects all three by honoring the legacy of John Sorrell and inspiring others to learn more about American history.

“We are honored to dedicate this plaque to John Sorrell,” Caflisch said. “This marker not only recognizes his courage and service, but also celebrates the legacy of all patriots who helped secure our nation’s independence. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we hope this tribute inspires our community to take pride in our local history, explore resources like the Heritage Museum and the public library’s collection on Sorrell and deepen their appreciation for the sacrifices that shaped our country.”

The Smith-McMillan DAR Chapter plans to unveil the marker on July 4, 2026, in conjunction with celebrations of both Fayette County and the nation’s independence. The plaque will remain accessible to the public year-round.

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The City of La Grange is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program. Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/grants.