38 Interesting Facts about Juliette Gordon Low

Dan September 2, 2023

Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927) was an American woman of remarkable vision and determination, best known as the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon in Savannah, Georgia, she came from a privileged and well-connected Southern family. Despite facing health challenges, including hearing loss due to a childhood ear infection and chronic ear issues, Low led a life of adventure and social activism.

Inspired by the ideas of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low established the first American Girl Guide troop in Savannah in 1912. She envisioned an organization that would empower and educate young girls, teaching them skills, self-reliance, and civic responsibility. The name was later changed to the Girl Scouts, and the movement quickly gained momentum.

Low’s commitment to the Girl Scouts went beyond its founding. She tirelessly promoted the organization, expanding it across the United States. Her dedication to girls’ education and character development was groundbreaking at the time, offering girls opportunities for personal growth and leadership they had not previously enjoyed.

Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy lives on in the millions of girls and women who have been a part of the Girl Scouts. Her vision continues to inspire future generations of young women, fostering courage, confidence, and character as they make the world a better place through leadership and community service. Juliette Gordon Low’s enduring impact on youth empowerment and gender equality remains a testament to her lifelong dedication to the well-being and potential of young girls and women.

Do you want to know more about Juliette Gordon Low? Here are 38 interesting facts about Juliette Gordon Low.

1. Juliette Gordon Low was born on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
2. She was affectionately known as “Daisy” throughout her life.
3. Daisy came from a wealthy and influential family in Georgia, and her full name was Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon.
4. She was a distant relative of the famous American author and poet, Robert E. Lee.
5. At a young age, Daisy suffered from chronic ear infections and eventually lost most of her hearing in one ear.
6. She attended several prestigious schools in the United States and Europe, receiving a well-rounded education.
7. Daisy was known for her adventurous spirit and was an accomplished equestrian and athlete.
8. In 1886, she married William Mackay Low, an Englishman, and they lived in England for several years.
9. Tragically, Daisy’s marriage to William was short-lived as he died of a stroke in 1905.
10. After her husband’s death, Daisy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and social reform.
11. She met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, in 1911 and was inspired by his ideas on youth development.
12. On her return to the United States, Daisy established the first American Girl Guide troop in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912.
13. The name was later changed to the Girl Scouts, and the organization was officially founded on March 12, 1912.
14. The first meeting of the Girl Scouts was attended by 18 girls.
15. Daisy played a crucial role in adapting and expanding the Girl Scouts to meet the unique needs of American girls.
16. She believed in the importance of outdoor activities and practical skills for girls.
17. Daisy encouraged girls to become self-reliant and independent, and she often promoted camping and outdoor adventures.
18. The first Girl Scout handbook, written by Daisy, was published in 1913.
19. She also designed the first Girl Scout uniform, which was a simple blue dress with a large sailor collar.
20. Juliette Gordon Low was a skilled artist and enjoyed painting, sculpture, and metalwork.
21. She was a tireless fundraiser for the Girl Scouts and used her own wealth to support the organization.
22. Daisy’s enthusiasm for the Girl Scouts led to rapid growth, and by 1920, there were over 70,000 Girl Scouts across the United States.
23. She served as the first President of the Girl Scouts from its inception until her retirement in 1920.
24. Daisy traveled extensively to promote the Girl Scouts and encourage the formation of new troops.
25. During World War I, she organized Girl Scouts to support the war effort by selling war bonds and knitting for soldiers.
26. Daisy’s leadership was marked by her commitment to inclusivity, and she actively promoted racial and cultural diversity within the Girl Scouts.
27. She was passionate about helping girls with disabilities and created a special Girl Scout troop for deaf girls.
28. Daisy Gordon Low was known for her charismatic personality and ability to connect with people of all ages.
29. She continued to be active in the Girl Scouts even after her retirement as President.
30. Daisy passed away on January 17, 1927, from breast cancer at the age of 66.
31. Her legacy lives on through the millions of girls and women who have been part of the Girl Scouts.
32. The Girl Scouts’ mission of building courage, confidence, and character in young girls and women continues to be inspired by Daisy’s vision.
33. In her will, Daisy left her carriage house in Savannah, known as the “First Girl Scout Headquarters,” to the Girl Scouts.
34. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is a National Historic Landmark and a popular museum dedicated to her life and the history of the Girl Scouts.
35. In her honor, the Girl Scouts celebrate October 31st each year as “Founder’s Day.”
36. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, is named after Daisy.
37. Juliette Gordon Low’s life story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and a TV movie.
38. Her pioneering work in youth development and empowerment continues to influence girls and women around the world, making her a lasting and iconic figure in American history.

Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as Daisy, was a trailblazer, visionary, and tireless advocate for the empowerment of girls and young women. Her remarkable journey from a privileged upbringing to the creation of the Girl Scouts of the USA is a testament to her indomitable spirit and commitment to fostering courage, confidence, and character in generations of girls. Daisy’s legacy lives on not only through the millions of Girl Scouts but also in the enduring belief that every girl possesses boundless potential. Her pioneering work continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us that the simple act of nurturing a girl’s dreams can have a profound and lasting impact on society. Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy is a beacon of hope and empowerment, guiding girls as they explore, learn, and lead in a world of boundless opportunity.