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Who Was Juliette Gordon Low?
Juliette Gordon Low was a pioneering figure in American history, best known for founding the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Born into a socially and financially elite Southern family, Low’s life took a transformative turn after the death of her wealthy husband. It was during this period that she encountered William Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, an experience that ignited her passion for establishing a similar organization for girls. After a courageous battle with breast cancer, Low passed away in Savannah, Georgia, in 1927.
Early Life
Born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia, Low was the second of six children to William Washington Gordon and Eleanor Lytle Kinzie. Named after her maternal grandmother, she quickly earned the affectionate nickname “Daisy,” which was common at the time. Her parents fondly described her as “a beautiful baby” with “a sweet disposition.”
Civil War Turmoil
Low’s early childhood was significantly impacted by the Civil War, which erupted shortly after her birth. Her upbringing was characterized by the tumultuous atmosphere of the era and her parents’ conflicting views on slavery. Her father, a Georgia-born owner of a cotton plantation that relied on enslaved labor, supported the South’s secession from the Union. In contrast, her Northern-born mother, whose family had been instrumental in the founding of Chicago, held strong abolitionist beliefs.
As the war unfolded, Low’s father fought for the Confederacy, while maternal relatives enlisted in Northern militias. This division caused considerable emotional turmoil for her mother, who grappled with the conflicting loyalties of her family and the harsh judgment from neighbors who could not comprehend their divided allegiance.
As the war continued, Low’s mother fell into a deep depression due to her husband’s prolonged absence and the challenges of supporting their family during such a tumultuous time. By the time Low was four years old, the South had been defeated, and the young girl, already malnourished and in poor health, had only seen her father for a few days throughout the conflict.
Move to Chicago
In the closing days of the Civil War, the Gordon family relocated to Illinois under the protection of General William Tecumseh Sherman. They stayed with Eleanor’s parents, which exposed Low to a markedly different lifestyle. Her grandfather was a prominent figure in the community, being one of the founders of the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Athenaeum, and the city’s public schools. A shrewd investor, he amassed wealth through ventures in railroads and copper mines, and served as the president of the Second State Bank of Chicago.
The influence of her maternal grandparents in the community allowed Low to encounter a diverse range of individuals, including many Native Americans who sought her grandfather’s business and investment counsel. These interactions fostered in Low an early appreciation for Native American culture, a sentiment she would cherish throughout her life.
The family soon reunited in Savannah, where Low’s mother worked diligently to recover their financial losses in the South, enabling her father to revitalize the Belmont plantation.
‘Crazy Daisy’
As Low matured, her empathy for others and unconventional perspective on life became increasingly evident. Her siblings often noted her tendency to lose track of time, engage in various “experiments” that frequently went awry, and perform acts of kindness that led to good-natured mishaps. These behaviors earned her the nickname “Crazy Daisy,” a label that would follow her into adulthood and contribute to her reputation for eccentricity.
Her adventurous spirit manifested as restlessness during her time at several boarding schools, including the Virginia Female Institute, Edgehill School, Miss Emmett’s School, and Mesdemoiselles Charbonniers. While she was educated in the typical social graces expected of a highborn lady, excelling in drawing, piano, and speech, Low longed for opportunities to explore, hike, play tennis, and ride horses—activities frowned upon in her restrictive finishing schools. Her defiant nature led her to frequently break the rules.
By the age of 19, Low found herself torn between the expectations of being a dutiful daughter and her aspirations for independence. Following a dispute with her mother over finances, she successfully persuaded her family to allow her to move to New York to study painting—a pursuit considered appropriate for women of her time. Low believed that painting could serve as a means of financial support and self-sufficiency.
Marriage to William Mackay Low
Low’s family also expected her to marry, which she did at the age of 26. Her union with William Mackay Low, a wealthy cotton merchant whom she considered her one true love, took place on December 21, 1886. During the ceremony, a grain of rice thrown by a well-wisher became lodged in Low’s ear, leading to significant pain that necessitated their return home for removal. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in permanent hearing damage for Low, leading to frequent ear infections and eventual deafness in both ears.
With her husband’s wealth, the couple frequently traveled and socialized with the educated elite. They purchased the Wellesbourne House in Warwickshire, England, and spent their autumns hunting in Scotland and winters visiting family in the United States.
However, William began to spend increasing amounts of time away from Low, engaging in gambling, socializing, and indulging in extravagant pursuits. Low herself embarked on frequent trips, searching for remedies for her hearing loss, while also grappling with ovarian abscesses, which contributed to their inability to have children.
Divorce and Legal Difficulties
By September 1901, Low became aware that William had taken on a mistress, the actress Anna Bateman. Consequently, William requested a divorce—a scandalous proposition at the time. Low faced the daunting challenge of proving desertion, adultery, and cruelty, which would involve tarnishing not only her own reputation but also those of her husband and Bateman.
During this turbulent period, William’s heavy drinking and declining mental health alienated him from his social circle, prompting concern for his well-being. In this difficult time, Low received support from friends and family, who hosted her at their homes, providing socially acceptable reasons for her absences.
Before the divorce proceedings could conclude, William died of a seizure during a trip with Bateman. Shortly thereafter, Low discovered that her husband had amended his will, leaving the majority of his fortune to Bateman. Faced with this unexpected challenge, Low contested the will, ultimately negotiating a settlement that ensured her a stable annual income and the Savannah Lafayette Ward estate.
Following the loss of her husband and much of her financial security, Low began to travel extensively, embarking on journeys to France, Italy, Egypt, and India.
Founding the Girl Scouts
Meeting Boy Scouts Founder Robert Baden-Powell
In 1911, Juliette Gordon Low had a serendipitous encounter with British General Robert Baden-Powell, the esteemed war hero and founder of the Boy Scouts. Initially, Low harbored reservations about Baden-Powell, believing he had received undue credit for his contributions during the Second Boer War and the Siege of Mafeking. However, she was quickly charmed by his charismatic demeanor. Baden-Powell established the Boy Scouts with the mission of preparing young boys for defense and readiness in the event of military conflict, emphasizing that the training should be enjoyable—an ethos that resonated deeply with Low.
Their meeting revealed shared passions for art and travel, as well as comparable family backgrounds, leading to a swift friendship. Together, they began discussing the establishment of a scouting organization specifically for girls.
Success of the Girl Guides
The early iterations of this organization, initially called Girl Guides, were led by Baden-Powell’s 51-year-old sister, Agnes. These early troops consisted of girls who had participated in their brothers’ Boy Scout groups, often clad in makeshift uniforms and eager to acquire the same skills as the boys. Agnes soon found herself overwhelmed by the growing interest among girls wishing to join the Girl Guides. Recognizing this enthusiasm, both the Baden-Powells and Low agreed that these girls deserved their own dedicated groups.
Girl Scouts Take Root in America
Low initiated several troops in Scotland and London, catering to girls from various socio-economic backgrounds. The positive impact on the girls’ self-esteem was so profound that Low felt compelled to introduce the program in the United States, beginning with her hometown of Savannah.
On March 12, 1912, Low registered the first troop of American Girl Guides, with the first girl to enroll being her niece, Margaret “Daisy Doots” Gordon. In 1913, the organization was officially renamed the Girl Scouts. Low utilized her own financial resources, along with support from friends and family, to propel the organization to new heights.
The Girl Scouts Today
While membership has declined from a peak of 3.8 million in 2003 to approximately 2.6 million today, Low’s vision for the Girl Scouts of the United States continues to thrive as one of the foremost educational organizations for girls worldwide. Notable alumni include renowned figures such as pop stars Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey, journalist Katie Couric, and actress Gwyneth Paltrow.
Death and Accolades
After years of declining health, Low was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1923 but chose to keep her condition private, continuing to work tirelessly toward the international recognition of the Girl Scouts. Low passed away from the final stages of cancer on January 17, 1927, and was laid to rest in her Girl Scout uniform at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah. In recognition of her contributions, her friends established the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund to support international projects for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
Low has been honored posthumously for her pivotal role in founding the Girl Scouts, receiving accolades such as a commemorative postage stamp issued in 1948 and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2012, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.