John Mohr Mackintosh Pipes and Drums

History of the John Mohr MacKintosh Pipes & Drums

Those familiar with the dynamic John Mohr Mackintosh Pipes & Drums know of their reputation for remarkable showmanship and competitive spirit. For 35 years John Mohr has continued to perform the timeless music of the pipes and drums throughout the Southeastern United States.

John Mohr’s motto, Invictus (L. unconquerable), reflects the spirit of the band—a spirit that embraces the time-honored standards and traditions practiced worldwide by other Scottish pipe bands. Members are dedicated to the band, to the music, and to furthering the education and enjoyment of traditional Scottish music and culture.

Wearing the brilliant red Mackintosh tartan, John Mohr proudly bears the name of eighteenth-century adventurer Captain John Mohr Mackintosh, whose exploits are recorded in the chronicles of early-American colonial history. Mackintosh was a direct descendant of the Clan Chiefs of Scotland and one of the first Scots to pioneer coastal Georgia.

A native of Borlum, Scotland, he arrived in Georgia in February, 1733, along with 44 men, 20 women, 25 boys, and 17 girls. While under the command of Georgia-Colony founder General James Edward Oglethorpe, Mackintosh raised and commanded the Highland Independent Company of Foot.

This volunteer contingent of Scottish settlers joined with Indians from the Creek and Cherokee Nations, and regulars of the heavily Scottish 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot, to defeat a Spanish invasion force at the Battles of Gully Hole Creek and Bloody Marsh (ca. 1742).

These victories ended the long-running Anglo-Spanish struggle over the Southeast American Colonies, securing these colonies for Great Britain.

In later years, Mackintosh’s son and nephew served General George Washington during the American Revolution. Later descendants became two Georgia governors: George McIntosh Troup and Thomas Spalding. The Mackintosh line is also associated with Creek Indian Chief William McIntosh, and the late W.E. “Dode” McIntosh, principal chief of the Creek Indian Nation. The latter was an honorary member of John Mohr.

The band crest reflects John Mohr’s Georgia heritage. The crest depicts a Creek feather war bonnet that sits on the head of a black panther (Clan Mackintosh). Both are adorned by Cherokee Rose (the official flower of the State of Georgia).

Competition with other pipe bands is one of John Mohr’s foremost activities. A member of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA), John Mohr competes in EUSPBA Grade V pipe band competitions throughout the Southeast.

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