Washington Grays (Philadelphia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Grays |
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Washington Grays Monument by John A. Wilson (sculptor)
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| Active | 1822 to 1869 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Battle of Chancellorsville Battle of Gettysburg Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
The Washington Grays of Philadelphia was a special group of volunteer soldiers. They served during times of peace and war. This group started in 1822. Later, in 1879, they became part of the Pennsylvania National Guard. A writer named John Oppell Foering said the Washington Grays were like the "parent and pattern" for other military groups in Pennsylvania and even the whole country. They helped create the strong National Guard we know today.
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How the Washington Grays Started
Some soldiers who fought in the War of 1812 decided to form a new group. On April 19, 1822, they created the "Volunteer Corps of Light Infantry." Their uniforms were gray and made in America. The Grays were always expected to play an important part in public events that had a military feel. For over 50 years, they were the best at this.
The Corps had its first parade on July 1, 1822. There were four officers and 42 men. Captain John Swift was their leader.
On June 27, 1827, their name changed to "Light Artillery Corps, Washington Grays." Then, on June 3, 1843, the name changed again to "Artillery Corps, Washington Grays."
The Washington Grays helped during some difficult times in Philadelphia. They served in the Philadelphia Nativist Riots in January, May, and July of 1844. In 1846, they offered to fight for the United States in the Mexican–American War. The President did not accept their offer. However, five members of the Grays served as officers in the regular army.
The Corps also acted as a special guard for the body of former President John Quincy Adams. This happened on March 7, 1848, when his body was in Independence Hall. The last big event they took part in before the Civil War was on February 22, 1861. They fired a salute when President-elect Abraham Lincoln raised the first 34-star Flag of the United States over Independence Hall.
The American Civil War
The American Civil War began when Fort Sumter was attacked on April 12, 1861. The fort surrendered a few days later. President Lincoln then asked for 75,000 men to defend the Union. The Washington Grays quickly met and decided to offer their help. They wanted to get more members and form two companies.
These two companies joined the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Colonel Frank E. Patterson led them. There was a delay in leaving for Washington. The government wanted to make sure all troops were fully ready. They needed to be able to defend themselves, like the 6th Massachusetts Regiment had to do in Baltimore.
On May 8, 1861, the regiment gathered at Washington Square. They marched to the train station and headed for Washington.
Even though many members were fighting in the war, the Corps kept its organization at home. In the fall of 1862, when Robert E. Lee's army moved north, the Grays formed a company of 125 men. This became Company "A" of the 21st Pennsylvania Militia. In 1863, during Lee's second move north, they formed a full Company "A" and part of Company "B" for the 49th Pennsylvania Militia.
The Corps officially became a corporation on April 15, 1867. They also helped during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 in Pittsburgh and Scranton.
Joining the National Guard
In February 1878, the Pennsylvania National Guard was being organized. The Washington Grays grew into a battalion with four companies. Company "A," the original group, was split. Part of it helped start Company "D." On July 31, 1879, the battalion joined with another group called the Weccacoe Legion Battalion. Together, they formed the Third Regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania.
On December 11, 1879, the Governor ordered Companies "A" and "D" of the Third Regiment to combine. This new company then joined the First Regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania as Company "G." At this point, the "Artillery Corps, Washington Grays" stopped being a separate military group. Today, the 103rd Engineer Battalion carries on the history of the First Regiment.
Famous Members
- John Swift, a Captain
- L. G. Childs Esq., a Commander
- Charles Henry Hunter, a Private who later became a Captain
Commemorations
