Brotherhood Preserved
Colonial National Historic Park
A few weeks before his resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, December 4, 1783, Washington said farewell to his officers: “With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you.” But the bond of brotherhood that flourished on the battlefield would not end here. Before the Treaty of Paris was signed the Society of the Cincinnati was formed, May 1783. Washington was elected its first president, serving until his death in 1799.
The Society is named for Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer of the 5th Century B.C., who, like Washington, was called from his fields to lead his country’s army. Members today (descendants of American Revolutionary War officiers) hold fast to the Society’s original purposes: to preserve the rights and liberties its founders fought for, to promote national honor and dignity, and to reinforce “cordial affection” by caring for its members and their families.
Marker is on Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
