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
this page online
Location. 39° 30.58′ N, 84° 44.365′ W. Marker is in Oxford, Ohio, in Butler County. Marker is at the intersection of South Campus Ave and East Walnut, on the right when traveling south on South Campus Ave. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22 S Campus Ave, Oxford OH 45056, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alpha Delta Phi (a few steps from this marker); William Holmes McGuffey (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Act of 1794 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oxford Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lynching in America / Lynchings In Oxford, OH (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stanton's "Magnificent Dwelling" / Elizabeth Cady Stanton (approx. ¼ mile away); William Holmes McGuffey House (approx. ¼ mile away); Upham Hall (approx. 0.3 miles 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 519 times since then and 152 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.
