The Illinois State Society of Washington, DC, was founded in 1854 to foster and encourage social, friendly, and fraternal spirit among the Illinoisans of the National Capitol Area and to serve, in a non-political way, the best interests of the Nation, the State of Illinois, and the membership of the Society.

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The Society was first known as the Illinois Democratic Club of Washington, DC. During Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, it became the Illinois Republican Club, and its name continued to change whenever a new political party came into power. Then, in the 1890s, it became permanently known as the Illinois State Society of Washington, DC.

The Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia in 1954 and is a founding member of the National Conference of State Societies.