Robert Emmet Literary Association (Butte, Mont.)

The Ancient Order of Hibernians was formed during the sixteenth century in Ireland and three divisions were first organized in Butte in 1880. Its membership was limited to men who were born in Ireland and their sons. The A.O.H. was a strictly Catholic organization. Although loyal to the fight for Irish Independence, the A.O.H. was less revolutionary than many of the other organizations.

The Robert Emmet Literary Association was the Butte Branch of the Clan-na-Gael, a revolutionary organization devoted to the fight for Irish independence. The Clan-na-Gael was the American counterpart to the Irish Republican Brotherhood, which was located in Ireland. The R.E.L.A. was organized in Butte in 1881. This organization was steeped in secrecy, including keeping its members and officers secret. R.E.L.A. membership was open to all Irish-born, no matter what religious beliefs they held. The group prided itself on being a non-denominational organization. In 1905, Butte's R.E.L.A. was the second largest Clan-na-Gael in the United States.

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