Which fraternity was the first to adopt Greek letters?

Phi Beta Kappa holds the distinction of being the first fraternity to adopt Greek letters, which it did in 1776. This organization emerged as a literary society at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, emphasizing academic achievement and fostering intellectual discourse among its members. The adoption of Greek letters was a significant moment in fraternity history, setting a precedent for future organizations to embrace this tradition.

The importance of Phi Beta Kappa is evident in its role as a pioneering model for subsequent fraternities in terms of structure, symbols, and rituals. This legacy contributed to the widespread use of Greek letters as a foundational aspect of Greek life in colleges and universities across the United States. In contrast, the other fraternities mentioned were all established later and therefore did not precede Phi Beta Kappa in adopting Greek letters.