Ancient Order of Foresters of America

Illustration of a deer's head in the center with black text around it, then two American flags on either side and an eagle above with black text on the top and bottom edges on a white background

Founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 15 August 1889, the Ancient Order of Foresters of America (AOFA) had nearly one hundred and sixteen thousand members six years later.  AOFA broke from the Ancient Order of Foresters, which it claims has its origins in thirteenth century England.  In 1896, the AOFA changed its name to the Foresters of America.  AOFA was one of many fraternal organization between the end of the US Civil War and the end of WWI.  Fraternal organization membership totaled around thirteen percent of the US male population.