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The one-grade Order of the White Eagle, according to a legend instituted by the Polish king Władysław I Łokietek (1260–1333) in 1325, was renewed by the Polish king and Saxon Duke Elector Friedrich August II 'the Strong' (1670–1733) in November 1705.
After the integration of the Kingdom of Poland into the Russian Empire in 1831, the Order became a Russian order by Emperor Nicholas I Pavlovich (1796–1855) with Ucas of November 17, 1831. From then on, new knights of the Order of St. Andrew, who were not yet knights of the Order of the White Eagle, according to a respective decision of the emperor, could receive both insignia together. On August 9, 1844, the order's cross for Non-Christians was introduced and on October 27, 1846, so were the respective breast stars. On July 15, 1855, metal breast stars became official. With imperial Ucas of August 5, 1855, Alexander II Nicholajevich (1818–1881) introduced crossed swords on the insignia for bestowals 'for valour on the battle field'. In 1856 the surmounting crowns of the badges received their final design: 'flying' blue enamelled crown pendilia (2nd model).
After the fall of monarchy in the Russian Empire in February 1917, the Provisional Government continued to confer the order in a slightly changed design. After the October Revolution the new Bolshewiki Government abolished the order in 1918.