City guard facts for kids
A city guard (also called a city watch or town guard) was like an early police force and security team for a city. These groups helped keep the peace and protect people. They were usually part of the local city government. In the past, many cities had their own guards. These guards often acted as both police and soldiers when needed.
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City Guards in Early America
By the 1830s, the United States was growing westward. Many states allowed their regular, unorganized citizen soldiers (called militias) to become less active. Instead, they preferred volunteer groups. These volunteer groups often called themselves "city guards" or "national guards." They wanted to show they were different from the older, less organized militias.
These volunteer companies did several important jobs:
- They helped local law enforcement, like police officers.
- They took part in ceremonies and parades.
- They also acted as social clubs where members could help each other.
These groups were usually the size of a military company. They often bought their own uniforms and weapons. They even built their own armories (places to store weapons and train) using money they collected themselves. If a volunteer unit was large enough, its members could choose their own leaders. They could also ask the state government for an official charter under a name they picked.
Examples of City Guard Companies
- Boston City Guard
- Cambridge City Guard
- Chicago Light Guard
- Detroit Light Guard
- Hannibal Guards
- Montgomery Guards
- Richardson Light Guard
- Salem Light Guard
- Swatara Guards
- Wallace Guards
- Wamesit Guard
- Worcester City Guard
Over time, laws became more organized. State governments started to take more control. For example, in New York City, the Municipal Police Act of 1844 helped create a more central police force. Because of these changes, many city guard groups became part of state-run police forces.
Later, the Militia Act of 1903 said that all organized volunteer military groups should join the Army National Guard or Naval Militia. However, a few companies managed to stay independent from these larger organizations.
cs:Obecní policie de:Stadtpolizei et:Munitsipaalpolitsei nl:Stadswacht pl:Straż miejska sk:Obecná polícia sv:Tornvakt
