The O’Fallon Chapter

History

The O’Fallon Chapter, NSDAR, was formed on April 8, 1910, when a group of 14 women met at “Woodlawn” in O’Fallon, Missouri. When members moved to St. Louis, they kept the O’Fallon name for their chapter to honor John O’Fallon, a famous St. Louis businessman, philanthropist, and military officer.

As a resident of St. Louis, John O’Fallon built his fortune through real estate investments, financing a mercantile firm, and trading in lead and distilled whiskey. His business ventures made him one of the city’s wealthiest citizens. Throughout his career, he served in both houses of the Missouri State Legislature, as adjutant general of the state militia, and as the St. Louis agent for several eastern commercial houses. He was also closely associated with St. Louis banking for most of his life. During the 1850s, as railroads expanded across the United States, he served as president of two railroad companies. The railroad towns of O’Fallon, Missouri, and O’Fallon, Illinois, were both named in his honor.

John O’Fallon was also known for his remarkable philanthropy. He contributed generously to churches, helped establish St. Louis Medical College and O’Fallon Polytechnic Institute, and donated extensive real estate holdings to both St. Louis University and Washington University. His mansion, Athlone, is located on his estate and overlooks the Mississippi River, on the northern edge of St. Louis. After his death, the City of St. Louis acquired the property and established O’Fallon Park in honor of his family.

What the Chapter Does

The O’Fallon Chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, September through May. Meetings start at 10:00 am with in-person and online attendance options available. The O’Fallon Chapter participates in programs that support the DAR mission.