Unami Lodge, and the Order, were founded at Treasure Island Scout Camp in the summer of 1915 by E. Urner Goodman, the Camp Director, and Carroll A. Edson, the Assistant Camp Director, to perpetuate camp traditions and ideals from summer to summer. The organization was to be based on Leni Lenape traditions. Preliminary research on the Delaware Tribes and language was done prior to the start of summer camp by "Shorty" Rolston, a Philadelphia scouter. Later that first year the arrow and turtle were formally adopted as symbols of the Lodge. George Chapman was elected as the first Lodge Chief.