National Carson Day – July 27, 2024

History of National Carson Day

Carson, meaning ‘son of marsh-dwellers,’ is originally a Scottish surname of Brythonic origin (ancient Briton/Celtic origin). In the 12th century, the surname first appeared in history as ‘aCarson’ in Dumfriesshire, a part of present-day Dumfries and Galloway Council Area. While the name’s original meaning has been lost in history, it might likely have been the name of a place.

In the 1100s, a member of the Carson family, Morris aCarson was appointed to the position of Bailiff of the Isle of Man by King Alexander I of Scotland. Over several generations, the Carson family remained provosts of Dumfries and played a prominent role in the local affairs of Kirkcudbrightshire. The Carsons were known for their ferociousness and strength, which were required to survive in those times. The motto of the Carson clan is ‘Ne m’oubliez’ (Don’t forget me).

In the 17th century, some members of the Carson family arrived in Colonial America from Ireland. One of their descendants is Kit Carson, born Christopher Houston Carson in 1809, near Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky. He became a famous American frontiersman who took the Carson name to prominence. Carson is known to have contributed to the westward expansion of the United States. In the 1840s, together with John C. Fremont, he helped open up much of California, Oregon, and the Great Basin to future pioneers. He participated in the conquest of California from Mexico at the beginning of the Mexican-American war and led a regiment during the American Civil War. In 1858, Abraham Curry founded Carson City, naming it after Kit Carson.