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 government of Rhode Island. This happened during the time of King George II of Great Britain. It is the oldest military group in the United States that still uses its original founding document. The company also has a museum in its old building, called an armory. Members of this company have served in many wars, from the French and Indian War to the First World War. People from the company have also fought in every war the United States has been in.
Contents
A Look at Early History
The Newport Artillery was the first independent military group in the Rhode Island Militia. Most military groups back then were led by officers chosen by the governor. But the Newport Artillery was special. They had the right to choose their own leaders. They also only had to follow orders from the governor, not other appointed officers.
The company received its official charter in 1741. This was from the Rhode Island government during the rule of King George II. Members of the Newport Artillery fought in the French and Indian War. Important people from the community led the group. Their first leader was Captain Jahleel Brenton. His grandson became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy.
After the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the British Army took over Newport. They stayed there for almost three years, starting in December 1776. The members of the Newport Artillery had different ideas about who to support. Because of this, the company stopped being active for a while.
In 1792, Francis Malbone asked the Rhode Island government to recognize the company's old charter from 1741. Malbone was elected to Congress that same year. The government agreed that the charter was still valid. Then, Malbone was chosen as the company's captain, or commanding officer.
The 1800s: A Busy Century
Members of the company followed Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry to Put-in-Bay, Ohio. They fought in the Battle of Lake Erie in September 1813. This was a big naval battle.
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 Treaty of Ghent was signed in early 1815. This treaty ended the war.
In 1834, a piece of land was given to the company by Audley Clarke. This land was for building their armory.
During the Dorr War in 1842 and 1843, the company helped stop a rebellion in Rhode Island. The Newport Artillery Company volunteered to lead the attack against the rebels. Because of this brave act, they still have the right to march at the front of any parade in Rhode Island today.
During the American Civil War, the company joined the national army. They became Company F of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry in April 1861. Captain George W. Tew led them. They fought in the First Battle of Bull Run in July. They left federal service in August. Many individual members then joined other regiments.
Some members who could not serve in Company F were called the "Old Guard." They guarded Fort Adams from April to May 1861. Fort Adams protects the entrance to Newport Harbor. The United States Naval Academy moved to Fort Adams during this time. They were worried the Confederates might attack Maryland.
In 1862, the company was called to guard Lovell General Hospital. This hospital was set up in Portsmouth Grove, near Newport.
During the Spanish–American War in 1898, the company was active for one week. They trained on large coast defense guns at Fort Adams. This was so they could help protect Newport if it was attacked. Many members of the company joined the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment served in the United States from 1898 to 1899.
Early 1900s: Changes and Celebrations
The Dick Act of 1903 said that state military groups needed to follow federal rules. This was so they could get money and equipment and become part of the National Guard. The Newport Artillery Company, and some other Rhode Island groups, decided not to join. They wanted to keep their right to choose their own officers.
In September 1913, the company traveled to Put in Bay, Ohio. They went to celebrate 100 years since the Battle of Lake Erie. Many members got sick from food during the trip. For this event, the company bought special uniforms that looked like old colonial ones. These uniforms are now the basis for the colonial uniform they wear today.
Since the company was not part of the National Guard, they were not called to fight in the First World War. However, they did serve the state. They guarded a railroad bridge connecting Portsmouth and Tiverton from April to June 1917. A former leader, Colonel Alvin A. Barker, was put in charge of the Rhode Island State Guard (RISG). The RISG was created to replace National Guard units that had gone to war. The Newport Artillery formed Company F of the RISG. The RISG was disbanded after the war ended in November 1918.
Recent History and Traditions
After the First World War, the company became less active. They were not called to duty during the Second World War. In the early 1960s, a Newport resident named Louis Lorillard helped bring the company back to life. They got new colonial-style uniforms. They also started using original cannons made by Paul Revere in 1798.
The company began to take part in many military and historical events. During the Bicentennial celebrations in the mid-1970s, the company was very important. They served as the honor guard for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Newport in July 1976.
Over the last few decades, the company has joined many yearly events. These include the Gaspee Days Parade in Pawtuxet Village, Rhode Island. They also participate in the Summer Pops Concert in Westerly, Rhode Island. Another event is the June Day election ceremony of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in Boston. The company traditionally fires a 21-gun salute every July 4th at noon in Washington Square in Newport. In 2016, the company celebrated its 275th anniversary.
Current Status
The Newport Artillery is a part of the Chartered Commands of the Rhode Island Militia. It is the oldest unit in this group. Its officers are chosen by its members. The Governor of Rhode Island then officially approves them. The company is also a member of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands. This group includes military organizations that existed before 1876. The Newport Artillery is very active today. They participate in many special events each year.
What's in a Name?
The official name of the company from its 1741 charter is "The Artillery Company of Town of Newport." But most people call it the "Artillery Company of Newport," the "Newport Artillery Company," or simply the "Newport Artillery."
The 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 skilled stonemason named Alexander McGregor oversaw the work. He came from Scotland in 1825 to help build Fort Adams in Newport. Around 1875, the armory was made longer. In 1906, a fire badly damaged it. When the armory was rebuilt later that year, a second floor 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 General Colin Powell, General William Westmoreland, and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. You can also see uniforms from leaders like President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and King Hussein of Jordan.
The museum also has several old cannons. Four of these bronze cannons were made for Rhode Island by Paul Revere in 1798. There is also a painting of President George Washington by Jane Stuart. 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. This means it is a very important historical site.
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 who helped the navy 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 Historic Military Groups in Rhode Island
- 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
