The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry was founded in Washington, D.C. on December 4, 1867, a date that marked the birth of organized agriculture on American soil. Oliver Hudson Kelley first advanced the idea of a farm fraternity, and as first secretary and one of the founders of the National Grange, he maintained official headquarters here until 1870. The farm was purchased through contributions from throughout the nation and preserved in honor of the founders.