During the first half of the 17th century, a great migration of colonists set out from Europe to seek freedom in a new land. In tiny ships they crossed the gray Atlantic to carve out settlements on the east coast of what is now the United States.

It was a migration that would shape and mold the very character of this nation. These pioneers were a hardy people - a God-fearing people whose love of liberty sent them forth to brave the hardships of a new land rather than submit to ancient tyrannies. They were a self-reliant people who believed that each individual should be responsible for his or her destiny.

Their numbers included adventurers, traders, soldiers, craftsmen, clergy and even a few ne'er-do-wells. But mostly they were a hardworking people who tilled the rocky land and planted the seeds of a new country.

Their descendants (each bearing the same family name as a Founder Ancestor) were among those who fought for and supported the cause of American Independence, recalling that determination to be free.

The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America honors and seeks to preserve this fundamental heritage.

The Order
Founded in 1896, the Order is made up of "Associates" who trace their ancestry back to those first colonists and who have forefathers in the same male ancestral line who served in the American Revolution. Today, as in the past, it is comprised of a wide range of individuals, all linked by a common heritage and dedicated to American ideals.

Organization
The governing body of the Order is the General Court. The Court consists of the General Officers of the Order and their Deputies, the Past Governors General and the Officers and Councillors General of the State Societies.

Under the authority of the General Court, State Societies carry on the bulk of the activities of the Order. State Societies are active in:

Some Daughters sites:
Wisconsin

Insignia
In keeping with its distinctive character, the Order provides unique decorations for General Officers, State Society Officers and Associates.

This emblem badge (front and back shown) may be worn by any Associate to identify his being a member of the Order.

The Order's rosette is offered in three different styles (from left): Plain Button, Silver Braid (for officers) and Plain Tie Tack. Each is in brilliant colors.