Born on December 11, 1750, Isaac Shelby seemed destined to become a soldier. His father served with distinction in the French and Indian War. In 1774, Isaac served as lieutenant in his father's company at the Battle of Point Pleasant.

About 1,100 British troops led by Major Patrick Ferguson were camped atop the mountain, and the commander declared that "even the almighty can not drive me from it." So it was on October 7, 1780, when Isaac Shelby helped lead buckskin-clad American sharpshooters to victory, driving the British from Kings Mountain which paved the way for the defeat of the British troops under Lord Cornwallis. This was his most noteworthy wartime accomplishment.

The city of Shelbyville, Tennessee, was named in honor of this courageous Revolutionary War hero. It seemed only fitting that our DAR Chapter be named in his honor as well.