Until 1870, Greek-letter Fraternities were a privilege afforded only to men, but in that same year two Greek-letter fraternities were founded for women. Kappa Kappa Gamma as one.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois on October 13, 1870. Kappa was initially founded as a literary fraternity, since there were no fraternities.

Kappa Kappa Gamma officially began when six young collegiate women entered the chapel at Monmouth College in Monmouth Illinois. These women chose to wear large golden keys bearing the Greek letters of KKG in their hair. This first public appearance, October 13, 1870, has been declared the Founder's Day of the Fraternity.