The Fort Nelson Chapter, NSDAR, was formed May 9, 1896, at the home of Mrs. Charles R. Nash.

The chapter chose the name "Fort Nelson" in recognition of the American Revolutionary fort that was constructed to protect the harbor between Portsmouth and Norfolk.

During the Spanish-American War, the chapter gave $200 to War Relief, sent books and refreshments to sick servicemen in the Naval hospital, and donated proceeds from a benefit operetta to needy families of servicemen and women.

In 1904, the chapter collected funds in support of the Virginia House at the St. Louis Exposition.

In 1906, the chapter erected a memorial cannon at the site of Fort Nelson.

In 1907, the chapter assisted at the Virginia House during the Jamestown Exposition.

In 1909, the chapter marked the graves of five local Revolutionary War heroes.

The chapter donated a portrait of Chief Justice Marshall for the Virginia Room at NSDAR Constitution Hall.

The chapter members sold and bought Liberty Bonds and solicited members for the Red Cross during World War I.

In 1924, the chapter had a pyramid dedicated to General Lafayette in the city of Portsmouth.

The chapter dedicated a memorial to Revolutionary War hero Richard Dale in a greenway in the city of Portsmouth.

in 1935, the Chapter House was built and dedicated formally on December 3.

During World War II, chapter members gave 3000 volunteer hours to the Red Cross and made more than 9000 garments and 1000 surgical dressings. Members donated to the Blood Plasma Fund. Members spent 879 hours entertaining troops in homes, camps, and hospital. Members purchased $190,183 worth of Defense Bonds.

Over the years the chapter restored several Norfolk County Record Books and Deed books.

The chapter contributed funds toward restoration of Kenmore, Customs House in Yorktown, Pohick Church, Gadsby's Tavern.

Letters and books were sent to former prisoners of war returning from the Vietnam War, and pins were presented to wives of former POWs.

For several years the chapter donated flag patches for the uniforms of the Portsmouth Police Department.

In 1987, the chapter arranged for a DAR-sponsored quilt exhibit at the Court House in Portsmouth and provided docents. 

The Chapter House was added to the State's Historic Landmark Register on May 6, 2007, and to the National Register for Historic Properties on August 8, 2007.