The Sigma Phi Society was founded on 4 March 1827, on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady, New York. It is the second oldest Greek fraternal organization in the United States, and the oldest in continuous existence. The Sigma Phi Society was the first Greek organization to establish a chapter at another college, which occurred with the founding of the Beta of New York at Hamilton College in 1831, thus making it the first National Greek Organization. The practices and rituals of The Sigma Phi Society are still relatively unknown due to its establishment, and continued consideration, as a secret society.