The Society of the Cincinnati provides a living link with the American Revolution. A great many of its current members are descendents of 2403 Continental and foreign officers who joined as Original Members immediately after the Revolution or of other Continental officers who could have become Original Members but, for one reason or another, did not join the Society when it was formed. Usually these officers had three years service in that war, and many were present at the establishment of the General Society of the Cincinnati at Fishkill, New York, on May 10, 1783.

The Society’s charter or Institution states three purposes for its establishment: to preserve the rights and liberties for which the founders had fought, to promote the national honor and “dignity of the American Empire,” and to reinforce the cordial affection among officers by providing aid and assistance to officers and their families when in need. At a time when military pensions were not yet a reality this last purpose had instant and continuing importance.

Within a year State Societies, under the auspices of the General Society, were established in the thirteen original states and in France. Each State Society ran itself and sent representatives to the triennial meetings of the General Society.
 

Many American leaders who helped create this nation were Original Members of the Society: George Washington was its President General from 1783 until his death in 1799. Other well-known members include General Henry Knox, considered the Society’s originator, General Friedrich von Steuben its first presiding officer, Alexander Hamilton, and General Nathanael Greene. Foreign officers in the American cause who were Cincinnati include Generals Lafayette and Rochambeau, Admiral DeGrasse, all from France, and Colonel Kosciuszko from Poland.

Membership in the Society of the Cincinnati passes by descent. At present the State and French Societies have some 3,000 active members who continue their dedication to the original purposes of the Society.

​

The Society’s name is derived from that of Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer who left his plow to fight for his city. A successful general, he was acclaimed dictator but following his Roman victory returned to his plow. In a like manner, Americans, who had no standing army, left their shops and farms to fight the Revolutionary war. Following this, most returned to their original livelihoods.
 

A member of the Society, General Arthur St. Clair, named the city of Cincinnati when he chose the site as the capital of the Northwest Territory in 1790.

The Society adopted the bald eagle, already chosen as the emblem for the Great Seal of the United States, as its symbol on the suggestion of Major Pierre L’Enfant, a French officer who was later responsible for the design and layout of the City of Washington. A resplendent Diamond Eagle was presented to General Washington “in the name of all the sailors of the French nation” and has been worn by all succeeding Presidents General.  The Eagle is circumscribed with the words “OMNIA RELINQUIT SERVARE REMPUBLICAM” which mean "He abandons every thing to serve his country."