[4] The history of the organization includes numerous philanthropic efforts and community outreach projects; distinctive headstones depicting tree stumps across the United States and Canada before 1930, a program to present American flags, and broadcast interests that owned the first television station where Johnny Carson worked.

Root founded Modern Woodmen of America (MWA) in Lyons, Iowa, in 1883, after hearing a sermon about "pioneer woodsmen clearing away the forest to provide for their families".

Taking his own surname to heart, he wanted to start a society that "would clear away problems of financial security for its members".

When moving to Omaha, Root decided to start again with a new group he called the Modern Woodmen of the World.

[10] During the Woodmen Circle convention of 1897, delegates from nine western states declared their intention to leave the national organization.

[13] The organization used to own a 19-story tower at 14th and Farnam streets in Omaha, Nebraska, which was the tallest building between Chicago and the West Coast at the time of its dedication in 1912.

[dubious – discuss] In 1926, the station became WOW after the ship SS Henry J. Bibble, which had held the call sign, was retired from service.

[17] Meredith Corporation acquired the stock of the company in 1951, which by that time had placed a companion television station on the air (now WOWT).

A physical legacy of the organization are "Treestones" or "tree-stump tombstones" marking the grave of a Woodman of the World.