The United Companies of the Train of Artillery of the Town of Providence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fusiliers of Providence Artillery Company of Providence Burnside Zouaves
The battle flag of the UTA: one of the earliest recorded uses of a rattlesnake on a flag, pre-dates the Gadsden Flag, this restored example from the early 1800s
Founded	April 22, 1775
Country	United States
Allegiance	Rhode Island
Branch	Continental Army
Type	Infantry
Part of	1st Rhode Island Regiment
Nickname(s)	"UTA"
Engagements	American Revolutionary War Battle of Rhode Island Dorr Rebellion
Website	United Train of Artillery
Insignia
Flag

The United Companies of the Train of Artillery of the Town of Providence, often called UTA, is a historic military group from Rhode Island. It is known for taking part in many reenactments and state events today. The UTA was formed during the American Revolutionary War by combining two smaller groups: the Fusiliers of Providence and the Artillery Company of Providence. This made it one of the largest artillery units in Rhode Island at the time.

The UTA played an important role in the American Revolutionary War. They fought in battles like the Battle of Rhode Island. The unit also had a very special flag. This flag showed a coiled rattlesnake with the words "Do Not Tread On Me." Below the snake, there was an anchor and the motto "In God We Hope," along with two cannons. Thirteen stars surrounded this design on a gold background. This flag is one of the first known flags to use a rattlesnake. It might even have inspired the famous Gadsden flag. It was also one of the first flags to use a circle of 13 stars to represent the thirteen original American colonies.

The UTA also played a part in the Dorr Rebellion later on. After the American Civil War, another group called Burnside's Zouaves joined the UTA. The combined unit continued its activities into the early 1900s.

What Was the UTA?

The United Companies of the Train of Artillery of the Town of Providence, or UTA, was a military unit. It was made up of soldiers who used cannons, which are a type of artillery. The unit was formed in 1775, right at the start of the American Revolutionary War.

How Was the UTA Formed?

The UTA was created by bringing together two existing groups. These were the Fusiliers of Providence and the Artillery Company of Providence. By combining these groups, the UTA became a very strong and large artillery unit in Rhode Island.

What Did the UTA Do?

The main job of the UTA was to fight in wars and protect Rhode Island. They were part of the Continental Army, which was the main army of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. They also took part in local events and later, in the Dorr Rebellion.

The UTA's Unique Flag

The flag of the UTA was very special and had important symbols. It showed a coiled timber rattlesnake. This snake was a symbol of strength and a warning. The words "Do Not Tread On Me" were written with the snake. This phrase meant "don't step on me" or "don't mess with me." It was a message to enemies.

Symbols on the Flag

Besides the rattlesnake, the flag also had an anchor. The anchor is a symbol of hope and stability, especially for Rhode Island, which is a coastal state. The words "In God We Hope" were written with the anchor. Two cannons were also shown on the flag, representing the artillery unit.

The Thirteen Stars

Around all these symbols, there was a circle of thirteen stars. Each star represented one of the thirteen original American colonies. This was one of the first times that thirteen stars were used in this way on a flag. It showed the unity of the colonies.

The Burnside Zouaves

The Burnside Zouaves were a different military group. They were formed in May 1861 in Providence, Rhode Island. They were a militia unit, which means they were a group of citizens trained for military service.

Service in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, the Burnside Zouaves served as Company H, 10th Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. They were active from May 26, 1862, to September 2, 1862. During this time, their main job was to help defend Washington D.C., the capital of the United States.

After the War

After September 2, 1862, the Burnside Zouaves continued as a militia unit. They often served as the color guard for the state. This meant they carried and protected the state's flag during ceremonies. In 1869, they officially joined the UTA. However, this combined group was disbanded just two years later, in 1871.