Old Guard State Fencibles facts for kids

The Old Guard State Fencibles was a special group of citizen soldiers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were like a local army unit that existed for a very long time, from 1813 all the way to 1981.

Today, the spirit and history of the State Fencibles are carried on by a unit called Troop B, 1-104th Cavalry of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Dress uniform of the Old Guard State Fencibles

How the Fencibles Were Organized

The State Fencibles were founded by a respected gentleman named Joseph R. Ingersoll. He was known for his great skills and good character. People proudly called him "the father of the Fencibles."

Helping During Philadelphia Unrest

The Old Guard State Fencibles helped keep the peace during the Philadelphia nativist riots. These were times of unrest in the city. The Fencibles were part of a larger group called the First Infantry Regiment.

State Fencible Uniform of 1826

The Mexican-American War

When the Mexican-American War began, the State Fencibles wanted to help. They offered to serve the governor. However, Pennsylvania already had enough troops. So, the Fencibles as a whole unit did not go to war.

Even though the group didn't go, many of its members joined other army units. They bravely served their country individually.

Target Practice and Training

In 1859, there was a famous picture made of the Old Guard State Fencibles. It showed them marching to a target practice exercise. This event was held at the beautiful Fatland estate.

The Fencibles marched in lines, led by their band. Officers wore special hats, and the soldiers wore tall, bearskin hats. Many people watched them, including families.

The owner of the estate, Dr. Charles M. Wetherill, invited the Fencibles every year. They would practice shooting targets, then enjoy lunch, dinner, and a dance. This helped them stay ready for action.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War started in 1861, the State Fencibles began serious training. They formed two companies, named Company E and Company K. These companies joined the 18th Pennsylvania Regiment.

On May 14, 1861, the two companies left Philadelphia. They went to Baltimore to serve for three months. After this time, many Fencibles joined other regiments. Some went to the 82nd Pennsylvania Infantry, also known as the "State Fencible Regiment." Others joined the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry.

The Fencibles had a motto: "Spectamur Agendo," which means "To be tried by our Actions." They showed they were soldiers ready for both peace and war.

Helping During Strikes

The Old Guard State Fencibles were called upon several times to help keep order during major strikes in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh and Scranton Riots

In 1877, the governor of Pennsylvania asked the Fencibles for help. They were needed to keep the peace during the Scranton general strike.

Homestead Strike

Again in 1892, the Fencibles were called out by the governor. They helped restore order during the Homestead strike. This was a very serious labor dispute.

Philadelphia Trolley Strike

In 1910, the Old Guard State Fencibles worked with the National Guard. They helped bring peace during the Philadelphia general strike (1910). They also guarded important state and private property.

Members of the Old Guard State Fencibles at Union Station, Washington, DC, January 1925.

The Spanish-American War

During the Spanish-American War, the State Fencibles Battalion joined the Sixth Regiment Infantry. This made the Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry a very large unit. It was the only twelve-company regiment from Pennsylvania to join the United States service at that time.

The four companies of the State Fencibles became part of the 6th Pennsylvania US Volunteers:

• Company A became Company K
• Company B became Company M
• Company C became Company L
• Company D became Company D