Low, Juliette Gordon (1860-1927), American youth leader and founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the world's largest voluntary organization for girls and young women. She was born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. She attended private schools in Virginia and New York City. Her interest in scouting began with a friendship with Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts in 1908, and Baden-Powell's sister Agnes, who started the Girl Guides in England.
Low started the first United States troop of Girl Guides in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912. During the next few years she traveled around the country organizing troops and setting up a national headquarters. By 1915 the troops were formally organized as the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and Low was elected president of the organization. Officially recognized as the founder of the Girl Scouts in 1920, Low retired as president but continued her work on the national and international levels.
"Low, Juliette Gordon," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.