The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton

Background. Clara Barton, an American nurse and humanitarian, learned of the International Red Cross founded in Geneva in 1863. Upon returning to the United States, she initiated efforts to gain government recognition for the ICRC. Her advocacy emphasized the organization's ability to respond to natural disasters, not just war, leading to the establishment of the American branch.

Establishment. The American Red Cross was formally established in May 1881. Barton became the president of the American branch, known as the American National Red Cross. The first official meeting occurred at her apartment in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1881. This event solidified the organization's structure and leadership under Barton's direction.

Early Development. Following the initial establishment, the first local society was founded on August 22, 1881, in Dansville, Livingston County, New York, where Barton maintained a country home. The first local chapter was established in 1881 at the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dansville. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States.