Clan Row

Clans and Societies Attending

• Family Bruce
• Clan Keith
• Clan Stewart
• Clan Davidson
• Clan McAlister
• Scottish Tartan Authority
• Clan Buchanan
• Scottish American Military Society
• Campbell

Find out about Celtic heritage by visiting the representative families on Clan Row. Clan Row is the ideal place to research your family roots, learn more about the various tribes fascinating histories or obtain membership information from Celtic societies.

The word Clan is defined as "a group of families or households, the heads of which claim descent from a common ancestor." A sept is defined as "a branch of a clan". In this way, many family names fit under the banner of one clan. Clans usually have a specific tartan, known today as plaid, that identifies them. They will also have a clan crest, and a clan badge. Some have more than one. Each clan had a chief who ruled the families and looked after their needs. In return, the clansmen worked and fought for their chief.

This system worked well for centuries and then began to break down when Scottish and English monarchs intervened. Bonnie Prince Charlie led an uprising in 1745, but King George II successfully destroyed the power of the chiefs a year later when he won the Battle of Culloden. Today Clan members have spread all over the world. To unite these far-reaching family members, many Clans have formed organized groups. This helps to educate their members and others about their history.

Many of these Clans will be represented this year at the Northeastern South Dakota Celtic Faire and Games. Come and visit Clan Row and learn more about your Clan or family history. Even if you have no Scottish ancestry, there will be much to learn about Clans and the Scottish culture. If you would like to represent your Clan on Clan Row, please see our vendor form.