Artillery Company of Newport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Newport Artillery Company Armory
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1835 |
| Architect | MacGregor, Alexander; Duress & McWade |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000029 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1972 |
The Newport Artillery Company is a very old military group from Newport, Rhode Island. It was officially started in 1741 by the Rhode Island government when King George II ruled Great Britain. This makes it the oldest military unit in the United States that is still active under its first official document! The company has a museum in its old armory building. Members of the company have served in many wars, from the French and Indian War to the First World War. In fact, individual members have fought in every war the United States has been in.
Contents
History of the Newport Artillery Company
Starting Out: Early History
The Newport Artillery was the first independent military group in the Rhode Island Militia. Unlike most groups back then, which had officers chosen by the governor, the Newport Artillery could elect its own leaders. They also only had to follow orders from the governor, not other military officers in the colony.
After getting its official charter in 1741, members of the Newport Artillery fought in the French and Indian War. Important people from the community led the group. Its first leader was Captain Jahleel Brenton. His grandson later became a high-ranking officer in the British Navy.
After the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the British Army took over Newport for almost three years, starting in December 1776. Because some members had different loyalties, the company stopped being active for a while.
It started up again in 1792 when Francis Malbone, who was elected to Congress, asked the Rhode Island government to recognize the company's original charter. The government agreed, and Malbone was elected captain, or commanding officer.
The 1800s: Major Conflicts
- War of 1812: In 1813, members of the company followed Newport's own Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry to Put-in-Bay, Ohio. They fought bravely at the Battle of Lake Erie. In 1814, during the War of 1812, the company was called to duty. They guarded Fort Greene in Newport. The company stopped active duty when the war ended in early 1815.
- Dorr War: From 1842 to 1843, the company helped stop a rebellion against the Rhode Island government called the Dorr War. The Newport Artillery Company volunteered to lead the charge against the rebels. Because of this, they still have the special right to lead any parade in Rhode Island today.
- American Civil War: During the American Civil War, the company joined the national army as Company F of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry in April 1861. They fought at the Battle of Bull Run in July. After their service, many individual members joined other regiments. Members who couldn't serve in Company F became the "Old Guard." They guarded Fort Adams at the entrance to Newport Harbor. In 1862, the company also guarded Lovell General Hospital, which cared for wounded soldiers.
- Spanish-American War: In 1898, during the Spanish–American War, the company trained for one week on coast defense guns at Fort Adams. This was so they could help protect Newport if it was attacked. Many members also joined the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Early 1900s: Changes and Celebrations
In 1903, a law called the Dick Act said that state military units had to follow national rules to get money and equipment. The Newport Artillery Company, however, chose to keep its special right to elect its own officers. So, it did not become part of the Rhode Island National Guard.
In September 1913, the company went to Put in Bay, Ohio to celebrate 100 years since the Battle of Lake Erie. They even bought special old-fashioned uniforms for the event. These uniforms are the basis for the colonial uniforms they wear today.
Because the company was not part of the National Guard, it wasn't called into national service during the First World War. However, it did serve the state. From April to June 1917, they guarded a railroad bridge. The Newport Artillery also formed Company F of the Rhode Island State Guard (RISG). The RISG was created to replace National Guard units that had gone to war.
Recent History: Rejuvenation and Events
After the First World War, the company became less active. It was not called to duty during the Second World War. However, in the early 1960s, a Newport resident named Louis Lorillard helped bring the company back to life.
With new colonial-style uniforms and original cannons made by Paul Revere in 1798, the company started taking part in many military and historical events. During the Bicentennial celebrations in the mid-1970s, the company was very important. They even served as the honor guard for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Newport in July 1976.
Over the past few decades, the company has participated in many yearly events. These include the Gaspee Days Parade in Rhode Island and the June Day election ceremony of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in Boston. Every year on July 4th, the company traditionally fires a 21-gun salute at noon in Washington Square in Newport. In 2016, the company celebrated its 275th anniversary!
Current Status
The Newport Artillery is a senior unit of the Chartered Commands of the Rhode Island Militia. Its officers are chosen by its members and officially approved by the Governor of Rhode Island. It is also part of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands. This group includes military organizations that existed before 1876. The company is very active today and takes part in many special events each year.
Company Name
The official name of the company from its 1741 charter is "The Artillery Company of Town of Newport". However, people often call it the "Artillery Company of Newport," the "Newport Artillery Company," or simply the "Newport Artillery."
Armory Building and Museum
The company's armory building is made of stone and brick. It is located at 23 Clarke Street in Newport. It was built in 1835 in the Greek Revival style. A master stonemason named Alexander McGregor oversaw the work. Around 1875, the armory was made longer. It was badly damaged by a fire in 1906. When it was rebuilt later that year, a second story was added.
The armory has a museum inside. It has a large collection of military uniforms from over 50 different countries. The museum also displays uniforms of famous people. These include generals like Colin Powell and William Westmoreland, and leaders like President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The museum also has several cannons, including four bronze ones made for Rhode Island by Paul Revere in 1798. There is also a portrait of President George Washington. A letter from President Washington to the Newport Artillery Company is currently on display at the Museum of Newport History.
The Newport Artillery's armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Notable Members
- Henry L. P. Beckwith, Jr. - A historian and expert on family trees.
- Henry Y. Cranston - A United States representative.
- Christopher G. Champlin - A United States representative and senator.
- William Hunter (Senator) - A United States senator.
- Francis Malbone - A United States Senator.
- Henry Marchant - A colonial governor and delegate to the Continental Congress.
- William Vernon - A rich merchant and leader of the Eastern Naval Board during the American Revolution.
- Brevet Brigadier General George W. Tew
- Henry E. Turner - A doctor and president of the Newport Historical Society.
- Samuel Ward - A colonial governor and delegate to the Continental Congress.
Other Rhode Island Historic Military Commands
- Kentish Guards
- Kentish Artillery
- Bristol Train of Artillery
- Pawtuxet Rangers
- Warren Federal Blues
- Gloucester Light Infantry
- United Train of Artillery
- Battery B, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery
- Battery C, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery
See Also
- Armory of the Kentish Guards
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Newport County, Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Naval Militia
