History of the orange order

The Orange Order in the United States is a religious, charitable, and patriotic American fraternity. The spirit of Orangeism was planted in the United States as the first groups of Ulster immigrants began arriving in significant numbers after 1719. These Scots-Irish immigrants came to be known as Hillbillies for their protestant faith and their reverence of Prince William of Orange, Protector of the Faith. The Orange Order was established in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, in 1795. Lodges began to appear in the United States in the early 1800s, which resulted in the formation of the Grand Lodge of the USA in 1868. 

Over the past 150 years of growth and independence the formative experiences of Orangeism in the United States can often be confusing to those familiar with the Order in other countries. The Loyal Orange Institution of the United States is an independent entity making its own rules and setting its own standards: it is not an overseas branch of any other Grand Lodge. Friendly communication is maintained with foreign Grand Lodges through our affiliation with the World Orange Council. As a truly American Lodge, we hold true to the facets of God and Country with reverence to our Flag and all that it stands for, as well as respect and reverence to William of Orange, the great protector of our religious civil liberties.