SAMCRO

Lore & Background

The club's origins are rooted in a pact made by a group of brothers in 1967, seeking a way to support one another. John Teller established the club with a specific vision: to protect their families and community while operating outside the law when necessary. However, as time passed, the original ideals were tested by the harsh realities of running an illegal business in a town surrounded by rival factions and corrupt officials.

The club's history is defined by a constant struggle between maintaining its founding principles and succumbing to the ruthless demands of survival. Under Clay Morrow's leadership, the organization became more aggressive, expanding into high-level arms dealing with international cartels. This shift created deep internal fractures, particularly for Jax Teller, who sought to steer the club back toward his father's original vision of a protective, albeit outlaw, force rather than a purely profit-driven criminal syndicate.

In Their Own Story

The sun bleeds orange over the Charming hills as the roar of engines cuts through the evening silence. At the clubhouse, the air is thick with cigarette smoke and the low hum of camaraderie. A brother slides into his seat at the long table, the leather of his cut creaking under the weight of the day's violence. There are no words needed; a nod, a clink of glass, and the unspoken vow renews itself. They are not just men in a room; they are a fortress, standing between their families and the chaos of the world outside.

Reader's Guide

SAMCRO is an outlaw motorcycle club that functions as both a criminal organization and a surrogate family for its members. Its primary goal is to generate revenue through illegal activities while maintaining control over Charming.

The hierarchy is strict, with the President holding ultimate authority, supported by key officers like the Vice President and Sergeant-at-Arms. Membership requires a probationary period known as 'hang-around' before earning full colors.

In the broader conflict of the series, SAMCRO faces threats from rival clubs like the Mayans, corrupt law enforcement, and internal power struggles. Their existence challenges the legal order, forcing them to constantly adapt to survive in a world where loyalty is currency and betrayal is fatal.

Did You Know?

• The club's name 'Redwood Original' signifies that it was one of the first charters established in California under the Sons of Anarchy banner.
• The clubhouse serves as both a social hub for members and their families, often hosting community events to maintain a positive public image.
• Members are required to wear their club colors (a leather or denim cut with the Sons of Anarchy patch and the top and bottom rockers) at all times while on duty or representing the club.
• The founding document, written by John Teller, is called 'The Letters' or 'John Teller's manuscript'—not a formal charter document outlining rules of conduct.