New Bronze Marker Honoring Washington Irving

Reverend John Robinson Chapter of the NSDAR Will Host Dedication

A new bronze marker honoring American essayist and diplomat Washington Irving will be dedicated, 11 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024. The dedication ceremony will be at the Keystone Ancient Forest’s Irv and Sharna Frank Visitor Center, 160 Ancient Forest Drive, Sand Springs, Oklahoma, 74063.

Reverend John Robinson Chapter, NSDAR Regent Valerie Campbell Judkins announced, “The new marker replaces the original placed on the Keystone Road by our Reverend John Robinson Chapter in November 1956. That original marker is now underwater in Keystone Lake.” Dignitaries and guests will commemorate Washington Irving’s travels through Oklahoma and his journal, “A Tour On The Prairies,” first published in 1835.

Honoring Washington Irving

Named for George Washington, Irving was a lawyer and internationally-recognized 18th century American author who advocated for authors’ copyright protections. As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Tulsa-area members of the Reverend John Robinson Chapter chose to recognize Irving for his exploration of this new land in the middle of this new country.

The new, more durable bronze marker reinforces preservation, education, and patriotism goals of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Following the dedication, the marker will be placed on the Frank Trail bluff overlooking the Bear’s Glen area where Irving camped, October 12, 1832. It was here he described his surroundings in “A Tour on the Prairie.” Additional signage identifies the spot as “Ghost of Washington Irving Lookout.”

Reverend John Robinson Chapter

Reverend John Robinson Chapter was organized April 15, 1950, 60 years after the founding of National Society of American Revolution (NSDAR). The Chapter’s name honors John Robinson whose life was dedicated to religious freedom. Born in 1575 at Sturton le Steeple, United Kingdom, Robinson graduated in 1595 from Cambridge University. It was during this time that he was attracted to the principles of Puritanism, soon to become “Pastor to the Pilgrims.” Robinson died before he could join the second wave of Pilgrims to America.