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The citizen soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America. The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South’s decision to fight the second War for Independence. The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our republic and represent the foundation upon which this nation was built. Today the Descendants of Confederate Veterans is preserving the history and legacy of these heroes so future generations can understand the motives that animated the Southern Cause.

The DCV is the direct heirs of these men who fought and gave it their all. Organized at Ennis, Texas on May 15, 2005, the DCV continues to serve as a historical, patriotic heritage organization dedicated to insuring that a true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved.

Membership in the Descendants of Confederate Veterans is open to all legitimate descendants, lineal or collateral, of those who served in the Confederate Army or Navy or State Troops to the end of the war, or who died in prison or while in actual service, or who were killed in battle or who were honorably retired or discharged, and descendants of elected or appointed officials of the Confederate or Executive branch of the civil government at the State level or above shall be eligible for membership in this Association, provided that no member admitted under the age of (18) years shall be eligible to vote or hold office until they have attained the age of (18) years.

Proof of kinship to a Confederate soldier can take many forms. The easiest method is to contact the archives of the state from which the soldier fought and obtain a copy of the veteran’s military service record. All Southern states’ archives have microfilm records of the soldiers who fought from that state, and a copy of the information can be obtained for a nominal fee. In addition, the former Confederate States awarded pensions to veterans and their widows. All of these records contain a wealth of information that can be used to document military service. Much of the above information may now be found online. The DCV has individuals who can assist you in tracing your ancestor’s Confederate service.

In addition to the privilege of belonging to an organization devoted exclusively to commemorating and honoring Confederate soldiers, members are eligible for other benefits. Every member receives The Traveller, our quarterly newsletter which contains historical articles on the war along with news affecting Southern heritage and our Association. You will also be invited to our Annual Reunion each year.

The DCV works in conjunction with other historical groups to preserve Confederate history. However, it is not affiliated with any organization. The DCV rejects any group whose actions tarnish or distort the image of the Confederate soldier, his reasons for fighting, or our Southern symbols.

If you are interested in perpetuating the ideals that motivated your Confederate ancestor, the DCV needs you. The memory and reputation of the Confederate soldier, as well as the motives for suffering and sacrifice, are being consciously distorted by some in an attempt to alter history. Unless the descendants of Southern soldiers resist those efforts, a unique part of our nation’s cultural heritage will cease to exist. If you would like an application, click here.