[3][4] The society was based on the principles of democracy, loyalty to Dartmouth, and equality of opportunity.

Originally a literary and debate society, Pi Kap officially became a social society in 1905 and has remained so ever since, making it the oldest extant local fraternity in the country.

Its nickname is Pi Kap.The fraternity was the first student society at Dartmouth with its own meeting place, a building called The Hall, which was originally where the Hopkins Center for the Arts is today.

Opened on July 28, 1860, the Hall served as Tri-Kap's home until the society moved into the Parker House in 1894.

In 1923, the society moved into 1 Webster Avenue in Hanover, where it resides to this day.