Our Rich History
From our founding in 1839 to our establishment at Cornell in 1879, explore the legacy that has shaped Beta Theta Pi for over 185 years.
Historical Timeline
Key moments in Beta Theta Pi and Beta Delta Chapter history
Beta Theta Pi Founded
Beta Theta Pi was founded at Miami University on the eighth day of the eighth month, becoming the first college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Beta Delta Chapter Established
Cornell University gained its Beta Theta Pi chapter when Alpha Sigma Chi merged with Beta Theta Pi, bringing chapters at Cornell, Rutgers, Stevens, Maine, and St. Lawrence into the fraternity.
First Chapter House
The chapter originally occupied a house on West Campus, between Cascadilla Gorge and university housing. As the chapter prospered and grew, it soon outgrew this first home. The old west campus house became the Beta Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, or "Pike" house.
The Castle on the Rock
Beta Delta constructed the iconic "Castle on the Rock" at 100 Ridgewood Road, situated on extensive property straddling the border between Ithaca and Cayuga Heights. While the insides have been renovated on numerous occasions, remnants of our fraternity remain - wood carvings of dragons and floor murals bearing our seal can still be found behind curtains or underneath carpets.
The Legend of Leo Love
A number of notable personalities have graced the halls of the Beta Delta chapter of Beta Theta Pi, but none more beloved than Leo Love, the fraternity's houseman and valet who became an institution in its halls for almost three decades.
At the one-hundredth anniversary of Beta at Cornell, Leo came and greeted every alumnus who returned by name. His dedication to the fraternity was so profound that he was initiated shortly thereafter, and never missed a single chapter meeting after that momentous occasion.
"It is said that his ghost still haunts the halls of the castle on the rock, particularly the room at the very end of the long hall on the left side; he said it was the one he would have liked to occupy the most."
Beta Theta Pi: A History of Firsts
Throughout our history, Beta Theta Pi has been a pioneer in fraternal innovation and leadership.
First West of Alleghenies
First college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains (1839)
First Fraternity Magazine
First and oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine (1872)
Open Constitution
First college fraternity to publish an open constitution for public distribution (1879)
West of Mississippi
First fraternity to establish a chapter west of the Mississippi River (1866)
Alumni Chapters
First fraternity to create alumni chapters (1867)
GPA Requirements
First fraternity to adopt minimum GPA requirements for chapters and members
Administrative Districts
First to break into districts for administrative purposes (1873)
General Officers
First fraternity to have general officers (1872)
Interfraternity Events
First to host an interfraternity event and meeting
Continuing the Legacy
From our humble beginnings at Miami University to our prestigious position at Cornell, Beta Theta Pi continues to build men of principle for a principled life.
Years of Excellence
Years at Cornell
of Brothers Initiated
Be Part of Our Story
Join a fraternity with a rich history of leadership, scholarship, and brotherhood. Become part of the next chapter in our storied legacy.
Historical Archives & Documents
Explore our rich historical archives, including the Castle Campaign documentation, meeting minutes, financial reports, and special events that shaped our chapter.
Castle Campaign
Comprehensive documentation of our historic house renovation campaign, featuring detailed articles and progress reports.
Financial Reports
Detailed financial accountability reports from the Castle Campaign, showing transparent use of alumni donations (1990-1995).
1996 Rededication
Planning documents and announcements for the historic October 1996 rededication celebration marking Castle Campaign completion.
Meeting Minutes
Historical meeting minutes and official chapter documents providing insights into chapter governance and decisions.
Rym Berry Legacy
Learn about the remarkable legacy of Romeyn "Rym" Berry '04, his contributions to Cornell and his impact on Beta Delta.
Chapter Spirit
Historical perspective on the Beta spirit and strategic planning that has guided our chapter through decades of growth.