CINCINNATI

Have you ever heard of the Society of the Cincinnati?   It was founded in 1783 and is the real reason behind the naming of the City of Cincinnati.

The Society of the Cincinnati is now an organization dedicated to promoting interest in the American Revolutionary War.  It was originally meant to foster fellowship between officers of the Continental Army or Navy.  French officers who served in the War were also eligible.

Original members included George Washington, King Louis XVI of France, Lt Col. and V.P. Aaron Burr, General Richard Butler, Gen., Gov., and V.P. George Clinton, Capt. John Paul Jones, and Gen. Alexander Hamilton, and Gen. Arthur St. Clair.

It was General St. Clair, then the Governor of the Northwest Territory, who changed the name of this small settlement on Ohio River from Losantiville to Cincinnati in honor of this organization.

The Society still flourishes and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with large representation in France.  Its members are strictly male descendants of Revolutionary War officers.  Honorary membership is available to those who the society deems distinguished.  The list of members is a who's who of military, government and business leaders.

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