Sigma Nu was founded by three cadets at the Virginia Military Institute during a period of civil strife known as the Reconstruction. Sigma Nu represented a radical departure from the traditions of that time. The system of physical abuse and hazing of underclassmen at VMI led to James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley to form the "Legion of Honor," which soon became Sigma Nu Fraternity. Amidst a backdrop of turmoil, North America's first "Honor" fraternity was established.
Headquartered in Lexington, Virginia, Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute. Sigma Nu currently has 180 active chapters and colonies on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada, and has initiated over 219,000 members since its founding.
