Willard Family Reunion

​This reunion is about more than just a family gathering—it’s a chance for all history lovers, families, and individuals to honor 250 years of America’s struggle for independence. Whether you’re a Willard descendant or just passionate about learning more about our nation’s history, this is a reunion you won’t want to miss. Together, we’ll celebrate our shared heritage, reflect on our national journey, and create new memories for generations to come.

Alexander Hamilton Willard (1778–1865) was a blacksmith and soldier who served with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Born in Charlestown, New Hampshire, he joined the U.S. Army in 1800 and enlisted in the Corps of Discovery at Fort Kaskaskia. During the expedition, Willard contributed as a craftsman, hunter, and explorer, surviving encounters with grizzly bears, canoe mishaps, and a near-fatal court-martial. After the journey, he worked as a blacksmith for Native American tribes and later moved westward, eventually settling in California. He lived to be 86, one of the last surviving members of the expedition.