The Daughters of the Cincinnati is a not-for-profit society founded in 1894 by women descended from commissioned officers who served under George Washington in the American Revolution’s Continental Armed Forces or in the French Royal Forces. To honor their ancestors’ service and sacrifice, the Society awards academic scholarships to daughters of career commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces and supports the preservation of American Revolutionary War history through education and patriotic service. unfortunate among them, and to assist the families of fallen comrades. Each member contributed one month’s pay towards these purposes.

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 plow.

Original members of the Society of the Cincinnati were American officers of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines, and French officers of the French Royal Army and Navy who had served three years, died in service, or until the end of the Revolution. They banded together to continue friendships made during the war, to aid the more unfortunate among them, and to assist the families of fallen comrades. Each member contributed one month’s pay towards these purposes.