Hereditary, military, and patriotic organization formed in 1783 by officers who had served in the American Revolution .
The group's aims were to promote union, maintain war-forged friendships, and help members in need. Membership was offered to all officers and their eldest male descendants. George Washington was its first president. The group took its name from the Roman citizen-soldier Cincinnatus. The city of Cincinnati was named in its honour in 1790.