The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE); also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks, is an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868. It is one of the leading fraternal orders in the U.S., claiming nearly one million members.

Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 2750 No. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Photograph taken on February 27, 2004 by Cosmo 1976

The Elks had modest beginnings in 1868 as a social club (then called the “Jolly Corks”) established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. After the death of a member left his wife and children without income, the club took up additional service roles, rituals and a new name. Desiring to adopt “a readily identifiable create of stature, indigenous to America”, fifteen members voted 8-7 to favor the elk above the buffalo. Early members were mostly from theatrical performing troupes in New York City. It has since evolved into a major American fraternal, charitable and service order with more than a million members, both men and women, throughout the United States.

Membership was opened to African Americans in the 1970s and women in the mid-1900s, and currently excludes atheists. The opening of membership to women was mandated by the  Oregon Public Accommodations Act, which was found by an appeals court to apply to the BPOE,  and it has been speculated that the religious restriction might be litigated on the same basis. A year after the national organization changed its policy to allow women to join, the Vermont Supreme Court ordered punitive damages of $5,000 for each of seven woman whom a local chapter had rejected citing other reasons. Current members are required to be U.S. citizens over the age of 21 and believe in God.