A piece of Revolutionary War history in Fort Madison is getting new attention.
The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is working to renovate the gravestone of Clarissa Claypoole Wilson, the daughter of Betsy Ross.
Wilson is buried in Fort Madison. Her mother, Elizabeth Grissom Claypoole, better known as Betsy Ross, is widely known as the designer and maker of the first American flag.
The stone will be lifted from its current concrete base, but officials say it is extremely fragile. That could limit how much restoration work can actually be completed once it is removed.
Because of the stone’s condition, there are also concerns about how and whether a new plaque can be placed once the restoration work is finished.
The group plans to dedicate the restored stone on June 13, 2026, during the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
