Our Roots

The Founders

On December 4, 1867 in a small Washington, D.C., building that housed the office of William Saunders, Superintendent of Propagating Gardens in the Department of Agriculture, the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, more commonly known as the Grange, was born. Here, sitting around a plain wooden table, a group of seven earnest men, planned what was destined to become a vital force in preserving and expanding American democracy. They were all men of vision-they had faith in God, in their fellow man and the future. The Seven Founders of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry were:

Oliver H. Kelley             •             William Saunders
Aaron B. Grosh              •             William M. Ireland
John R. Thompson       •              Francis McDowell
John Trimble, assisted by Caroline Hall, who was later named an honorary 8th founder of the Grange

Their names are inscribed on a Birthplace Marker located near the site of the original building on the south side of 4th Street SW, near Madison Street on the mall in Washington DC The marker was officially dedicated on Sept. 9, 1951, and is the only private monument on the mall.

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Our Building

The 11-story landmark National Grange headquarters building in Washington, D.C. was dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 29, 1960, and is the only private edifice in a federal block across from the White House.  It serves as a non-governmental headquarters for agricultural and rural families.  A professional staff administers policies established annually by democratic Grange processes at local county, and state levels.

National Grange Headquarters Building
1616 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Built in 1957, the original headquarters was located on Lafayette Park.

A video of our 50th Anniversary Rededication is coming soon. Please check back to enjoy the program.