The name of the Four Winds Chapter derives from the Indian description of the area in Anderson County that is known for its bizarre phenomena of the winds.

In terms of our state history, the name may have greater significance still, when Sioux history is examined. The Kansa Indian tribe, after whom the state was ultimately named, is believed to have come from the Omaha group of the Sioux tribe. "Kansa" is such an ancient term that its full meaning had already been forgotten by the time Indians first had contact with Europeans. But in every mention of "Kansa" in the Siouan tongue there is some reference to wind. Some secondary tribal groups were known as Wind People, South-Wind People, Small-Wind, or Makes-a-Breeze-Near-the-Ground.

The winds in general had sacred and mystic meaning to the Kansa Indians, who still made offerings to all their ancient wakandas - including the four winds -- as late as 1882. They began with the East Wind, then they turned to the South Wind, then to the West Wind, and then to the North Wind, to show them honor. Click here to read more about the Four Winds.

From the beginning, Four Winds Chapter was an active group. The first project was a highway cleanup day along Highway 31. Since that time, they have had several community projects. In 1972, the chapter placed a large brass plaque on the Anderson County Courthouse, commemorating its placement on the list of National Historical Places.

For the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration, the chapter produced a play, "Penelope Barker's Tealess Tea Party," written by one of its talented chapter members. The chapter also developed an Avenue of Flags in the City of Garnett Cemetery. Some chapter members made their own flags, inscribed with the name of their patriot ancestor. The flags have flown twice a year since the Bicentennial in 1976.

Four Winds Chapter supports all DAR activities, and believes in its motto, "God, Home, and Country." The chapter is involved in the community's youth, and has every year sponsored the American History Essay and Good Citizen contests. Genealogy, history, education, and patriotism are strong interests for the chapter's members.

Four Winds Chapter holds regular meetings at 1:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the months of September through May, with some exceptions. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Please contact us for more information.

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The background image is a quilt pattern called "The Four Winds."