In the Beginning
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| Society of the Cincinnati Crest |
Before the Veterans of Foreign Wars, before the American Legion, and even before the Grand Army of the Republic, there was... the Society of the Cincinnati. The Society of the Cincinnati is America's oldest patriotic organization, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French allies who fought together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of American independence and to foster fellowship among its members. During the 18th century, Republican Rome was often seen as the model for an ideal society. So, not surprisingly, the Society was named after Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who left his farm to serve as Roman Consul and held the title Magister Populi (with temporary powers similar to those of a modern-day dictator). He took lawful dictatorial control of Rome to lead the war effort. Once the battle was won, he returned power to the Senate and went back to tending his fields.
A Band of Brothers
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| Henry Knox The Society's Founder |
The idea of forming a society of officers originated with Major General Henry Knox, the chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. He viewed it as a way to strengthen the bonds among the army's officers, the "band of brothers," many of whom endured eight years of hardship during a struggle often considered hopeless. As the commissioners in Paris worked to set the terms of the peace treaty, Washington's main army stayed north of New York as a safeguard against a last-minute surprise attack by the British. The Continental Army was still poorly equipped, fed, and paid, and unrest among soldiers and officers grew. Therefore, the idea of the Society was to help unite the officers with each other and with the new nation.
A Society Formed
The first meeting of the Society took place in May 1783 during a dinner at the Verplanck House in Fishkill, New York. It was chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, arguably one of the most organized men of his era! The members agreed to stay in contact after the war. Membership was generally restricted to officers who had served at least three years in the Continental Army or Navy; it included officers of the French Army and Navy, with membership passing to their eldest male heirs. Notably, members of the much larger state militia forces were not eligible to join, which later caused tension and opposition towards the Society. Officers in the Continental Line who died during the war were also eligible to be recorded as members.
First Patriot Controversy
During its founding and the period immediately afterward, the Society faced distrust from many Americans, especially those who became the core of what would later be Thomas Jefferson's Republican Party. It was seen as the beginning of an aristocratic class aiming to make George Washington a king or dictator. The fact that members had to be direct male descendants of Continental Army officers did not impress most Americans. George Washington himself was aware of this and hesitated to take an active role in the organization that chose him as its president. Therefore, Henry Knox often stepped in when needed. Nonetheless, Washington served as the first President General of the Society of the Cincinnati from December 1783 until his death in 1799. His support for the Society's interests, along with his reputation, helped establish it during its early years. His backing and advice against aristocratic appearances were vital when there was strong opposition to the Society. Washington's leadership kept the Society stable and provided guidance during the first sixteen years of its existence.
The Society Today
Today, the society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about our nation's founding and promoting an appreciation of the principles of the American Revolution. Headquartered at the impressive Anderson House in Washington, DC, the society operates a small museum and library. It hosts a variety of public educational events, including lectures and book signings, concerts, themed wine tastings, and children's programs. These events explore aspects of the American Revolution, the society's history, and Anderson House, serving as an important part of its educational mission.
