Organized in May, 1898, as Red Cross Auxiliary No. 16, the Litchfield Chapter of the American Red Cross was the first Red Cross organization in Connecticut. The Auxiliary was started for the purpose of helping the soldiers in the Spanish-American War, and produced 3,646 hospital garments, and raised $708.10 during the summer of 1898. The Auxiliary was re-organized in October, 1900, as Auxiliary No. 5, of the American Red Cross, which had by that time secured the protection and recognition of the United States Government for its insignia. On July 11, 1905, it was again re-organized and the Auxiliary became Sub-Division No. 1, of the Connecticut Branch. In March 1910, the Sub-Division became a full fledged chapter with jurisdiction over the entire county. In 2000, the 102-year-old branch lost its charter and was combined with the Greater Torrington Chapter.