General Society of Colonial Wars The Preamble of the Articles of Incorporation: WHEREAS, It is desirable that there should be adequate celebrations commemorative of the events of Colonial history which took place within the period beginning with the settlement of Jamestown, Va., May 13, 1607, and preceding the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775-, THEREFORE, The Society of Colonial Wars is instituted to perpetuate the memory of those events, and of the men who, in military, naval, and civil positions of high trust and responsibility, by their acts or counsel, assisted in the establishment defense, and preservation of the American Colonies, and who were in truth founders of this Nation. To this end, it seeks to collect and preserve manuscripts, rolls, relics, and records, to hold suitable commemorations and to erect memorials relating to the American Colonial period, to inspire in its members the fraternal and patriotic spirit of their forefathers, and to inspire in the community respect and reverence for those whose public services made our freedom and unity possible." The first Society of Colonial Wars was established in 1892, and became the General Society of Colonial Wars in 1893. The General Society is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c-)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It charters individual State Societies, and it is in one or more of the State Societies that an individual holds membership. The aggregate of State Societies constitutes the General Society. At the present time there are Societies in the following States: Alabama British Isles Califomia Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi Missouri New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia Wisconsin