The Society of Cincinnati, Inc. is a hereditary society that was founded in 1783 to preserve the ideals and fellowship of officers of the Continental Army who served in the Revolutionary War.

The Society is named after Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who left his farm to accept a term as Roman Consul and served as Magister Populi (with temporary powers similar to that of a modern-era dictator). He assumed lawful dictatorial control of Rome to meet a war emergency. When the battle was won, he returned power to the Senate and went back to plowing his fields. The Society's motto reflects that ethic of selfless service: Omnia reliquit servare rempublicam ("He relinquished everything to save the Republic").

The Society has had three goals: "To preserve the rights so dearly won; to promote the continuing union of the states; and to assist members in need, their widows, and their orphans."

Major General Henry Knox had the idea to form the organization as a way for soldiers to stay in contact with each other after the war. Membership was generally limited to officers who had served at least three years in the Continental Army or Navy. Officers in the Continental Line who died during the War were also entitled to be recorded as members, and membership would devolve to their eldest male heir.

George Washington was the groups first president. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were also members.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org