George Washington was the first President of the Society of the Cincinnati, founded in 1783. Its name was derived from that of the Roman General, Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, who was called from his farm in 458 B.C., and again in 439 B. C. to assume the dictatorship of Rome and the command of its army. After victory was won and the safety of Rome assured, he returned to his plough.

Original Members of the Society of the Cincinnati were American and French officers of the Continental Army who had served three years, or until the end of the War of the Revolution. They banded together to perpetuate friendships formed during the war, for mutual aid, and to assist the widows and orphans of comrades who had died in the Service. Each member contributed one month's pay towards these purposes.

The Daughters of the Cincinnati was incorporated as a Society in 1894 by a group of women descendants of Revolutionary officers, one of its objects being "to advance and encourage investigation and study of the history of the Revolution...and to instill into the minds of the rising generations, a knowledge of, and reverence for, the inspired wisdom...and unswerving determination which successfully carried on the struggle for Liberty..."

To this end, the first Scholarship Fund was established in 1906, for daughters of United States Army and Navy officers. The fund and the number of scholarships have increased over the years and are now available to daughters of commissioned officers in all our Armed Services. Scholarships are held in universities and colleges, by students who have been selected in accordance with their qualifications for the award.

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Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institution for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion be enlightened.

-- Washington's Farewell Address

Further information can be obtained by writing to:

The Daughters of the Cincinnati
122 East 58 Street
New York, NY 10022