Today in History

May 21, 1881

The Founding of the American Red Cross

On this day in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. A school teacher during the American Civil War, Barton traveled to Europe and there saw the work of the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War. Upon her return, Barton began the process of generating the necessary financial and political support for the new organization. She met resistance despite the experience of the country during the Civil War. However, her efforts gradually gained support and in May of 1881 the first meetings of the new organization took place. Clara Barton became the first president of the American Red Cross. She expanded the core mission of the organization beyond battlefield support to aid and assistance during natural disasters. Barton continued in her role as president of the ARC until her retirement in 1904.

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