Phi Mu sorority founded in Macon, Georgia

Background. Wesleyan College, located in Macon, Georgia, is a private liberal arts women's college. Chartered in 1836, it was the first college in the world to grant degrees to women. The institution opened in 1839 and was renamed Wesleyan Female College in 1843. It is recognized as the birthplace of the first sororities in the United States, including the Philomathean Society.

Founding Details. The Philomathean Society was founded as a literary society at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. According to the cited account, the society was formed on January 4, 1852, though this internal formation date is not independently corroborated in the supplied passages; the same account states that its formation was not publicly announced until March 4, 1852. The distinction between the internal formation date and the public announcement date is a key aspect of the organization's early history.

Historical Significance. The Philomathean Society, now known as Phi Mu, is the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States. It followed the Adelphean Society, founded in 1851, which is now known as Alpha Delta Pi. Both organizations originated at Wesleyan College, establishing the institution as the birthplace of the first sororities in the country.