The Daughters of the Cincinnati: Preserving the Revolutionary Legacy Through Women’s Lineage

The Daughters of the Cincinnati is a hereditary lineage society established to honor and perpetuate the legacy of officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, as well as the women descended from them. Closely aligned in mission and spirit with the Society of the Cincinnati, the Daughters organization provides a means for female descendants to participate actively in preserving Revolutionary history.

Founded in 1894, the society emerged during a period of growing interest in genealogy and patriotic heritage, when women increasingly sought formal roles within lineage and historical organizations that paralleled those long available to men.

Origins and Historical Context

The Society of the Cincinnati, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army, is widely recognized as the oldest hereditary organization in the United States. Membership in the original society was—and remains—passed through the male line, leaving many eligible women without a corresponding outlet for participation.

The Daughters of the Cincinnati was created to fill that gap. Organized by women who were themselves descendants of Revolutionary officers, the society provided a structured way to recognize lineage, support patriotic causes, and contribute meaningfully to historical preservation.

The name “Cincinnati” refers to Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, the Roman statesman celebrated for his civic virtue and selfless service—an ideal embraced by Revolutionary officers and their descendants alike.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Daughters of the Cincinnati is rooted in three enduring principles:

Historical preservation of Revolutionary War memory and documentation
Patriotic service and civic engagement
Education, particularly the study of the American Revolution and the officers who secured independence

The society supports these goals through commemorative activities, educational programs, scholarships, and collaboration with related patriotic and historical organizations.

Membership Eligibility

Membership in the Daughters of the Cincinnati is by invitation only to women who can prove lineal descent from an officer who served in the Continental Army or Navy during the American Revolution.

Applicants must submit documented genealogical proof demonstrating:

Direct descent from a qualifying officer
Verified service of the ancestor in the Continental forces
Supporting historical and genealogical records

The society maintains rigorous standards of documentation, reflecting its commitment to genealogical integrity and historical accuracy.

Relationship to the Society of the Cincinnati

Although the two organizations are independent, the Daughters of the Cincinnati maintains a close historical and philosophical relationship with the Society of the Cincinnati. Both organizations share a commitment to honoring Revolutionary officers and preserving the ideals for which they fought.

Many members of the Daughters are related to current or former members of the Society of the Cincinnati, and both organizations frequently collaborate on commemorative and educational initiatives tied to Revolutionary history.

Activities and Contributions

Over the decades, the Daughters of the Cincinnati has contributed to:

Revolutionary War memorialization and preservation projects
Educational initiatives and scholarships
Historical research and publications
Patriotic observances and anniversaries

Through these efforts, the society ensures that the service and sacrifices of Continental officers—and their families—remain visible and relevant to future generations.

A Place in the Lineage Society Landscape

Within the broader landscape of American hereditary organizations, the Daughters of the Cincinnati occupies a unique position. It combines elite Revolutionary lineage with a strong tradition of female leadership, civic responsibility, and historical stewardship.

For women whose ancestors served as officers during the Revolution, the society offers not only recognition of lineage, but also a meaningful way to engage with America’s founding story.

Continuing a Revolutionary Legacy

More than a century after its founding, the Daughters of the Cincinnati continues to uphold the ideals of service, honor, and sacrifice that defined the Revolutionary generation. As America approaches significant commemorative milestones—including the 250th anniversary of independence—the society’s mission remains as relevant as ever.

By preserving lineage, supporting education, and fostering remembrance, the Daughters of the Cincinnati ensures that the legacy of the Continental Army’s leadership endures—not only in history books, but through the descendants who carry their stories forward.