The General Society of Colonial Wars

Before the American Revolution, the colonies of North America were shaped by over a century of military conflicts that determined the fate of the continent. These struggles — involving European powers, Native nations, and colonial militias — laid the groundwork for the eventual birth of the United States. Recognizing the importance of this complex period, a distinguished lineage society was formed to honor the men who fought in these early conflicts: the General Society of Colonial Wars (GSCW).

The Founding of the General Society of Colonial Wars

The General Society of Colonial Wars was founded in 1893, in New York City, during a surge in national interest in genealogy, patriotism, and early American history. Its constitution was adopted on May 10, 1893. The GSCW founders sought to honor those who had served in military or civil capacities during the long period of colonial conflict preceding American independence.

At the time of its founding, numerous hereditary societies already existed to commemorate ancestors of the American Revolution, such as the Sons of the American Revolution (1889). The GSCW distinguished itself by focusing on the period of American history from the settlement of Jamestown in 1607 through the end of the French and Indian War in 1763 — a span often overshadowed by the Revolutionary War but no less crucial in shaping the future of the United States.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the General Society of Colonial Wars includes:

Perpetuating the memory of those who fought in colonial conflicts prior to 1775.
Collecting and preserving historical documents, artifacts, and relics related to colonial wars.
Encouraging research and scholarship in early American history.
Promoting patriotism, historical education, and civic duty.

From the outset, the GSCW positioned itself not only as a genealogical society but also as an educational organization committed to deepening public understanding of colonial military history.

Membership Criteria

Membership in the GSCW is open to men who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who served in military, naval, or civil service under the authority of any of the thirteen American colonies during eligible conflicts, including:

The French and Indian Wars
King William’s War
Queen Anne’s War
King George’s War
Bacon’s Rebellion
Other colonial military actions prior to 1775

Applicants must submit well-documented genealogical proof of their descent and their ancestor’s qualifying service. This high standard of documentation has helped preserve the society’s credibility as a leading lineage organization.

Structure and Organization

The General Society of Colonial Wars functions as a federation of 32 state societies, with each state managing its own membership and activities while remaining united under the General Society’s national leadership.

Today, the GSCW includes state societies across the United States and several international societies for descendants living abroad. Its General Court, composed of national officers and delegates from the state societies, oversees the administration and governance of the organization.

Historical Preservation and Educational Contributions

The GSCW is widely respected for its ongoing contributions to historical scholarship and preservation, including:

Sponsorship of historical publications and research on colonial military history.
Support for museums, libraries, and historical sites related to colonial wars.
Annual meetings, lectures, and symposia exploring early American military and political history.
Participation in patriotic ceremonies, including wreath-laying events and commemorations at colonial battlefields and fortifications.

The society has also published several volumes of historical proceedings, registers, and memorials that serve as valuable resources for historians and genealogists alike.

Relationship with Other Lineage Societies

The GSCW shares many members with related societies, such as:

The Society of Colonial Wars (state level organizations founded around the same period)
Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)
Society of the Cincinnati
Sons of the Revolution (SR)
General Society of Mayflower Descendants

What distinguishes the GSCW is its specific focus on the military and administrative conflicts of pre-Revolutionary colonial America, emphasizing the complex web of European rivalry, Native alliances, and colonial resistance that shaped early American society.

Conclusion

For over 130 years, the General Society of Colonial Wars has played a vital role in preserving the memory of the soldiers, sailors, statesmen, and settlers who engaged in the great struggles of America’s colonial past. Through rigorous genealogical standards, historical research, and educational outreach, the GSCW ensures that these formative chapters of American history remain vibrant and well-understood.

By recognizing the sacrifices and service of these early Americans, the General Society of Colonial Wars contributes to a broader and more nuanced appreciation of the origins of the United States.