The only national social fraternity founded in the Antebellum South

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds a unique place in American history as the sole national social fraternity established during the Antebellum period. From its 1856 origins at the University of Alabama to its survival through the Civil War, its trajectory reflects both the growth of Greek life and profound systemic challenges.

Eight individuals created Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) during a March 9, 1856, inauguration at Alabama's University in Tuscaloosa. Noble Leslie DeVotie served as the primary leader, creating the fraternity's ritual and name, while Abner Edwin Patton became its first president. The organization expanded rapidly, reaching seven chapters by the end of 1857. However, the American Civil War posed a significant threat to its existence; by 1861, fifteen chapters had been established with fewer than 400 members. Of those, 370 joined the Confederate States and seven joined the Union Army.

The fraternity suffered heavy losses during the war, including the deaths of founders Dennis, DeVotie, and Patton. Alabama officially acknowledges DeVotie as its initial Civil War casualty following his February 1861 drowning. Following the conflict, only a small chapter at Columbian College (now George Washington University) survived. The fraternity was eventually revived in late 1865 through chapters at the University of Georgia and the University of Virginia, leading to a post-war convention in Nashville in 1867.

In recent decades, the organization has faced intense scrutiny over safety and conduct. Between 2006 and 2013, Sigma Alpha Epsilon recorded eleven deaths linked to drinking, drugs, and hazing—more than any other Greek organization in the U.S. according to Bloomberg data. These incidents led to significant reforms, including a 2014 initiative to eliminate pledging traditions and replace the term with 'new member.' Despite these efforts, the fraternity continues to navigate high liability insurance rates and various suspensions at institutions like Stanford University and the University of Nevada, Reno.

The fraternity's physical presence is anchored by the Levere Memorial Temple in Evanston, Illinois. Dedicated on December 28, 1930, the building was funded by a $25,000 bequest from member William Levere. It serves as both an international headquarters and a war memorial for members who lost their lives in combat.

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