Oxford in Butler County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Mother of Fraternities
Alpha Delta Phi
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, August 29, 2017
1. Mother of Fraternities Marker
In 1833, Samuel Eells founded Alpha Delta Phi (ΑΔΦ), the first fraternity west of the Allegheny Mountains and the first fraternity at Miami University. The formation of Miami's Alpha (founding) chapters followed in the next two decades. In 1839 Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ) was founded, Miami's first Alpha chapter. Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) was founded in 1848 and Sigma Chi (ΣΧ) in 1855, completing the Miami Triad. Miami would become home to two more Alpha chapters with the creation of the sorority Delta Zeta (ΔΖ) in 1902 and what would become Phi Kappa Tau (ΦΚΤ), in 1906. Following Miami's precedent, approximately 800 chapters of these five "Alphas" have been formed in the United States and internationally. Sharing the title with Union College in Schenectady, New York, Miami University is known as the "Mother of Fraternities".
Erected 2012 by Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 29-9.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cincinnati and in the Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alpha Delta Phi (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of Caroline Scott Harrison (within shouting distance of this marker); Phi Delta Theta Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); This gateway is given to Miami University (within shouting distance of this marker); Phi Delta Theta (within shouting distance of this marker); William Holmes McGuffey (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Sigma Chi Fraternity (about 700 feet away); Sigma Chi Fraternity Founding Site (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oxford.
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, August 29, 2017
2. Mother of Fraternities Marker
full view of marker, from sidewalk
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, August 29, 2017
3. Mother of Fraternities Marker
marker in the distance, with the house
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,319 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
