Low, Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon

(Oct. 31, 1860-Jan. 18, 1927). Founder of the Girl Scouts. She was born in Savannah, Georgia. Low was educated at Stuart Hall and Edge Hill in Virginia, and at the Mesdemoiselles Charbonnier's in New York City. She was a lifelong member of Christ Church, Savannah. In 1911 Low met the founder of the Boy Scouts, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, in England, where she was living at the time. Following his example, she organized Girl Guide troops in England and Scotland. On Mar. 12, 1912, Low formed the first Girl Guide units in Savannah, enrolling sixteen girls in two patrols. Interest in Girl Guide units increased around the country, following a tour of the United States by Sir Baden-Powell. In 1913 she worked in Washington to establish a national organization. She hoped to unite her organization with the Campfire Girls, which was organized in 1910, but this did not happen. In 1915 the Girl Scouts of America was formed with Low as president. In 1919 the first International Council of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts met in London. She resigned as president of the Girl Scouts in 1920. Low died in Savannah.