1910 - 1919: Scouting Is Born In The U.S.


  • The Boy Scouts of America is incorporated in 1910 by William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher. Boyce was impressed by Baden-Powell’s work and wanted to create an American counterpart.
  • James E. West was appointed the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America in 1911.
  • By 1912, Scouts are enrolled in every state in the union (all 48!)—a total of 97,495.
  • In 1918, Scouts help in a nationwide service program to assist in the fight of the great flu epidemic.