Society of the Cincinnati

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The Society of the Cincinnati was formed on 10-13 May 1783 by American Revolutionary Army officers who met at Mount Gulian, the American Army's cantonment on the east bank of the Hudson River. After resigning his post as General, George Washington (1732-1799) accepted an invitation to become the society's first president. Major General Henry Knox (1750-1806) was the secretary and for years the guiding spirit of the organization. Membership extended to those officers of the Continental Army and Navy who had served to the end of the war or had resigned with honor after three years of service and to those who had been rendered supernumerary because of regimental reorganization by Congress. In addition, the institution provided that officers who had died in service could be represented in the Society by their eldest male descendants. The society was named in honor of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, who after a distinguished military career in the service of the Roman republic, had returned to civilian life. The Society of the Cincinnati was the first patriotic society organized in the United States. Today the Society is a not-for-profit organization supporting educational, cultural, and literary activities that promote the ideals of liberty and constitutional government.

From the guide to the Society of the Cincinnati Papers, 1783-1861, (Library of Virginia)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Membership certificate, Mount Vernon, 1785 Oct. 31. Rosenbach Museum & Library
referencedIn Smith, Roy Campbell, 1858-1940. Papers, 1848-1940. Naval War College, Henry E. Eccles Library
referencedIn Matthew Calbraith Perry correspondence, 1812-1878. Houghton Library
referencedIn Scott, Joseph Warren, 1778-1871. ALS : Buccleuch, New Brunswick, N.J., to William B. Dayton, 1867 Mar. 16. Rosenbach Museum & Library
referencedIn Jones, John Paul, 1747-1792. John Paul Jones certificate, 1785. Library of Congress
referencedIn Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889. Papers of Beverley Dandridge Tucker [manuscript] 1853-1964. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn University of Virginia. Commemorative medals presented to the University of Virginia [manuscript] 1918-1960. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati Papers, 1783-1861 Library of Virginia
creatorOf Appleton, Elizabeth Greenleaf, 1794-1885. Greenleaf family deposit, 1759-1881. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn Parsons, Edwin. Edwin Parsons collection, 1759-1862 Georgia Historical Society
referencedIn Livingston, Gilbert James, 1758- . Letter, 1784 June 19. American Periodical Series I
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Minutes, 1783 June 19. The Filson Historical Society
referencedIn Kathrine R. Everett and R. O. Everett Papers, 1851-1993 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Records of the Society of the Cincinnati, 1783-1846. Library of Congress
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Records, 1781-1971. North Carolina Division of Archives & Hist
referencedIn Hamilton Fish Papers, 1732-1914, (bulk 1840-1890) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
referencedIn Turner, George, fl. 18th cent. Letter : n.p., to William Bingham, n.p., [178-?]. Texas Christian University
referencedIn John Nicholas Brown (1861-1900) papers, Brown (John Nicholas) (1861-1900) papers, (bulk 1881-1900), 1871-1900 John Hay Library, Special Collections
referencedIn Downey, Marvin. The Shays rebellion [manuscript]: an expression of eighteenth-century populism, 1931 June. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Jackson, William, 1759-1828. William Jackson papers, 1782-1828 (inclusive). Yale University Library
referencedIn Webb, G. Creighton, 1853-1948. G. Creighton Webb papers, 1829-1941 (bulk 1898-1941). New-York Historical Society
referencedIn Washington, George, 1732-1799. Membership diploma of Society of the Cincinnati, [ca. 1795]. Washington State University, Holland and Terrell Libraries
referencedIn Cooper, Samuel, 1756-1840. Papers of Samuel Cooper [manuscript], 1780-1960. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. The Society of the Cincinnati and the official recognition it has recieved from the government of the United States and the several states of the Union. U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. The constitution &c. of the Society of the Cincinnati : typescript copy, [1783]. University of Chicago Library
referencedIn Smith, Stephens Calhoun. Papers, 1861-1913. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
referencedIn Woodbridge, Theodore, 1748-1810. Papers of Theodore Woodbridge, 1780-1813 (bulk 1780-1783). Library of Congress
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Ledger of accounts of the Society of the Cincinnati, 1784-1810. Library of Congress
creatorOf Edwards, Thomas, Captain. Certificate of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati for Captain Thomas Edwards, 1784 May 5. Maine Historical Society Library
referencedIn Thomas Addis Emmet collection, 1483-1876 (bulk:1700-1800) New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Certificates of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, [ca. 1780]. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Willett family. Papers, 1733-1974 bulk, 1775-1783. New York State Library
referencedIn Jackson, William, 1759-1828. William Jackson letter, 1818. New-York Historical Society Library
referencedIn Muhlenberg family papers, 1769-1866, 1769-1866 American Philosophical Society
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. [Minor publications]. Yale University Library
referencedIn Jones, John Paul, 1747-1792. Collection of papers of John Paul Jones, 1776-1789. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Letter : Philadelphia, Penn. to the president of the Society of the Cincinnati in New Hampshire, 1787 June 17. UNH Durham, Dimond Library
referencedIn Muhlenberg Family. Papers, 1769-1866. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794. Correspondence and papers, 1778-1794 (bulk 1779-1781). New-York Historical Society
referencedIn Leland, Joseph, 1756-1839. Joseph Leland's ledger : manuscript, 1783-1787. Houghton Library
referencedIn Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866. Jared Sparks collection of American manuscripts, 1582-1843 Houghton Library
referencedIn Sewall, Henry, 1752-1845. Henry Sewall papers, 1778-1783. Library of Congress
referencedIn Foster, Francis Apthorp, 1872-1966. Francis Apthorp Foster papers, 1891-1963. New England Historic Genealogical Society
creatorOf Baury, Alfred La Figerie Jean Paul, 1794-1865. Alfred L. Baury family papers, 1791-1915. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn Cooper, Samuel, 1756-1840. Papers of Samuel Cooper [manuscript], 1780-1960. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Records of the Society of the Cincinnati, 1783-1850. Library of Congress
referencedIn Finley, David E. (David Edward). Papers, 1915-1977. National Gallery of Art Library
referencedIn Simons, James, 1813-1879. James Simons papers, 1842-1917. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
referencedIn Cocke and related families Papers, ca. 1851, 1926-1980 University of Virginia. Library. Special Collections Dept.
referencedIn Reeves, Harold Stone. Oral history with Harold Stone Reeves, 1971 South Carolina Historical Society
referencedIn James Dudley Morgan Collection of Digges-L’Enfant-Morgan Papers, 1674-1923, (bulk 1778-1828) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Membership certificate [manuscript], 1787 March 1. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Washington, George, 1732-1799. ALS : Mount Vernon, to James Madison, 1786 Dec. 16. Rosenbach Museum & Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Certificates of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, [ca. 1780]. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Jackson, William, 1759-1828. William Jackson papers, 1782-1828 (inclusive). Yale University Library
referencedIn Webb, Samuel Blatchley, 1753-1807. Webb family papers, 1773-1882. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Craig, Issac, fl. 1891-1897. Papers. United States Military Academy, USMA Library
referencedIn Webb family papers, 1773-1882 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Burnham, John Winthrop, 1829-1912. Papers, 1818-1911. North Dakota State University Library
creatorOf Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati records, 1755- Massachusetts Historical Society
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Membership certificate of Thomas Massie [manuscript] 1787 March 1. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Williams, James Lawrence Basil. Papers of James Lawrence Basil Williams [manuscript], 1895-1995. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn William Jackson papers, 1782-1828 Yale University. Department of Manuscripts and Archives
referencedIn Lawrence, James, 1781-1813. James Lawrence collection, 1758-1856. Churchill County Museum
referencedIn Cameron, Bennehan, 1854-1925. Bennehan Cameron papers, 1866-1962. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
referencedIn Meeks, Washington, 1818-1906. Autobiography and Reminiscence of Washington Meeks, San Francisco, 1904. The Society of California Pioneers - Alice Phelan Sullivan Library
referencedIn Washington State Library. Washington State Library's collection of selected correspondence, notes and reminiscences of Hazard Stevens, 1868-1913. Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State
referencedIn Dodge, Henry S., 1785-1826. Journal of my daily reading both in law and belles lettres, Oct. 28 1808-Dec. 30 1809. Society of the Cincinnati Library
referencedIn Benjamin Tallmadge collection Litchfield Historical Society
referencedIn Rachal, William Munford Ellis, 1910-. Papers regarding Virginia history [manuscript] 1858-1968. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Coleman, Samuel. Letter, 18 September 1802. The Filson Historical Society
referencedIn Papers of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, 1778-1851 (bulk 1779-1781) New-York Historical Society
referencedIn Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826. "Memorandum on a tour from Paris to Amsterdam, Strasburg and back to Paris," 1788 March 3, n.p. William & Mary Libraries
referencedIn Freeman, Constant, 1757-1824. Letters : to John Winslow, 1782-1783. Buffalo History Museum, Research Library
referencedIn Margaret Terry Chanler family papers, 1815-1939 (inclusive) 1845-1939 (bulk). Houghton Library
referencedIn L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825. [Pierre Charles L'Enfant a.l.s. in French, New York 13 Feb. 1787 : to M. et Md. L'Enfant / P.C. L'Enfant. Society of the Cincinnati Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Constitution : manuscript, 1783. Houghton Library
creatorOf Andrews, John, 1736-1809. American Revolution collection : biographical materials, 18th-20th centuries. Lexington Historical Society
referencedIn Craik, Susan S., 1905-2001. Susan S. Craik papers, 1966-1970. The Filson Historical Society
referencedIn ALS : Philadelphia, to Baron von Steuben, 1783 June 3 Rosenbach Museum & Library
referencedIn Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785. Letter and note of Jethro Sumner, 1780-1784. Library of Congress
referencedIn Strubing family. Papers, 1786-1864. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Lee, Henry, 1756-1818. Certificate of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, 1785 October 10. Library of Virginia
referencedIn MacPherson, William, ca. 1756-1813. Papers, 1784-1865. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn United States Revolution collection, 1754-1928. Gadsden Public Library
referencedIn Fuller, John, d. 1839. Papers. Ohio History Connection, Ohio Historical Society
referencedIn American Philosophical Society Archives. Record Group IIj, 1898-1988 American Philosophical Society
referencedIn United States. Continental Army. New York Regiment, 2nd. Orderly books, 1779-1783. Churchill County Museum
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. The constitution &c. of the Society of the Cincinnati : typescript, [1783]. Texas Christian University
referencedIn Washington, George, 1732-1799. LS : Mount Vernon, to Elias Dayton, 1783 Dec. 28. Rosenbach Museum & Library
Benjamin Tallmadge collection Litchfield Historical Society
referencedIn Post Family Papers, 1882-1973 Bentley Historical Library
referencedIn Gray, Ebenezer, 1743-1795. Ebenezer Gray collection, 1777-1844 (1777-1786). New-York Historical Society Library
creatorOf Society of the Cincinnati. Records of the Society of the Cincinnati, 1783-1895. Library of Congress
referencedIn Alden, Judah. Barker-Edes-Noyes family papers, 1655-1953, bulk: 1700-1900. Massachusetts Historical Society
referencedIn Fraunces Tavern Museum. Manuscript collection, 1704-1974, 1759-1829 (bulk) Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith American Philosophical Society. corporateBody
associatedWith Baury, Alfred La Figerie Jean Paul, 1794-1865. person
associatedWith Bedinger, Daniel, 1761-1818. person
associatedWith Brown, John Nicholas, 1861-1900 person
associatedWith Burnham, John Winthrop, 1829-1912. person
associatedWith Cameron, Bennehan, 1854-1925. person
associatedWith Chanler, Margaret Terry, 1862-1952 person
associatedWith Coleman, Samuel. person
associatedWith Cooper, Samuel, 1756-1840. person
associatedWith Craig, Issac, fl. 1891-1897. person
associatedWith Craik, Susan S., 1905-2001. person
associatedWith Davis, Curtis Carroll, 1916- person
associatedWith Dodge, Henry S., 1785-1826. person
associatedWith Downey, Marvin. person
associatedWith Edwards, Thomas, Captain. person
associatedWith Emmet, Thomas Addis person
associatedWith Everett, Kathrine R. (Kathrine Robinson), 1893-1992 person
associatedWith Everett, R. O. (Reuben Oscar), 1879-1971 person
associatedWith Finley, David E. (David Edward) person
associatedWith Fish, Hamilton, 1808-1893. person
associatedWith Foster, Francis Apthorp, 1872-1966. person
associatedWith Fraunces Tavern Museum. corporateBody
associatedWith Freeman, Constant, 1757-1824. person
associatedWith Fuller, John, d. 1839. person
associatedWith Gardiner, Asa Bird, 1839-1919. person
associatedWith Gray, Ebenezer, 1743-1795. person
associatedWith Hamilton, Park, 1808-1893 person
associatedWith Jackson, William, 1759-1828. person
associatedWith Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826. person
associatedWith Jones, John Paul, 1747-1792. person
associatedWith Knox, Henry, 1750-1806. person
associatedWith La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de, 1741-1791. person
associatedWith Lawrence, James, 1781-1813. person
associatedWith Lee, Henry, 1756-1818. person
associatedWith Leland, Joseph, 1756-1839. person
associatedWith L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825. person
associatedWith Livingston, Gilbert James, 1758- . person
associatedWith MacPherson, William, ca. 1756-1813. person
associatedWith Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. corporateBody
associatedWith Massie, Thomas. person
associatedWith McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786. person
associatedWith Meeks, Washington, 1818-1906. person
associatedWith Morgan, James Dudley, 1862-1919. person
associatedWith Mrs. Philip St. George Cocke, IV person
associatedWith Muhlenberg family. family
associatedWith Muhlenberg Family. family
associatedWith North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati. corporateBody
associatedWith Parsons, Edwin person
associatedWith Perry, Matthew Calbraith, 1794-1858 person
associatedWith Post Family family
associatedWith Reeves, Harold Stone. person
associatedWith Reuben T. Durrett Collection on Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley (University of Chicago. Library) corporateBody
associatedWith Scott, Joseph Warren, 1778-1871. person
associatedWith Sewall, Henry, 1752-1845. person
associatedWith Simons, James, 1813-1879. person
associatedWith Smith, Roy Campbell, 1858-1940. person
associatedWith Smith, Stephens Calhoun. person
associatedWith Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866 person
associatedWith Sparks, Jared, 1789-1866 person
associatedWith Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794. person
associatedWith Strubing family. family
associatedWith Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785. person
associatedWith Tallmadge, Benjamin, 1754-1835. person
associatedWith Turner, George, fl. 18th cent. person
associatedWith United States. Continental Army. New York Regiment, 2nd. corporateBody
associatedWith University of Chicago. Library. corporateBody
associatedWith University of Virginia. corporateBody
associatedWith Washington, George, 1732-1799. person
associatedWith Washington State Library. corporateBody
associatedWith Webb, G. Creighton, 1853-1948. person
associatedWith Webb, Samuel Blatchley, 1753-1807. person
associatedWith Willett family. family
associatedWith Williams, James Lawrence Basil. person
associatedWith Woodbridge, Theodore, 1748-1810. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
North Carolina
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
New Hampshire
Subject
Fraternal organizations
Patriotic societies
Patriotic societies
Patriotic societies
Occupation
Activity
Veterans

Corporate Body

Establishment 1783

Americans

English

Information

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