History

Nationally

Clara Barton (1821-1912) dominated the early history of the American Red Cross, which was modeled after the International Red Cross Movement. The first person to establish a lasting Red Cross Society in America, she successfully organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1881. Created to serve America in peace and in war, during times of disaster and national calamity, Barton's organization took its service beyond that of the International Movement by adding disaster relief to battlefield assistance. She served as the organization's volunteer president until 1904.

Locally

In the early 1900's, Cleveland was gaining stature as one of the most promising industrial and commercial centers in the nation. The cost of progress was noise, pollution and for many, the health concerns that thrive in overcrowded city environments - poor sanitation, high infant mortality and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid and influenza. In May 1905 Samuel Mather led a ground of involved community leaders to found the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter to help improve the quality of life for residents.