History
National History
Kappa Sigma is the largest college social fraternity in the world with more than 200,000 living members, including over 17,000 undergraduates and 300 chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada. With a long national history marked by leadership, service and achievement, its alumni include presidential candidates, senators, representatives, entertainers, musicians, military officers and influential figures across many fields.
With origins tracing back to the year 1400 in Bologna, Italy, the fraternity has welcomed thousands of brothers since its origination. The first American chapter was founded on December 10th, 1869, at the University of Virginia by the “Five Friends and Brothers”. They included William Grigsby McCormick, George Miles Arnold, Edmund Law Rogers Jr., Frank Courtney Nicodemus, and John Covert Boyd. Kappa Sigma International Headquarters is based in Charlottesville, Virgina. More information about our national story can be found through our headquarters site.
Chapter History including Chapter Houses
The Gamma-Chi chapter of Kappa Sigma was founded on June 7, 1919. With thousands of initiates and a strong base of accomplished alumni, our chapter offers meaningful networking opportunities in nearly every professional field. Our long history and continued excellence have shaped a legacy that current members proudly uphold.
1204 Bluemont (1918 – 1919)
Occupied by our founders, the Shamrocks, from 1918 to 1919, and still stands to this day.
519 N. 11th SE
(1923 – 1939)
House still stands.
1930 College Heights
1121 Bluemont 1920
(Approximately 1920 – 1923)
The photo was taken in the 1960s; unfortunately, the house is no longer standing.
1221 Thurston
(1940 – 1960)
It was occupied from 1940 – 1960, when we moved into our new College Heights chapter house.
