The Kentish Guards have been around Rhode Island since they were formed in 1774. The elite guard was chartered to protect East Greenwich from the Tories, and they are still here today. You may have even seen the drum and bugle corps marching in area parades! The Kentish Guards have served honorably in the Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Dorr Rebellion, The Civil War, and The Spanish American War. Today, they are called upon by civic, state, and educational organizations for patriotic and ceremonial duties. The Kentish Guards also participate in the annual cannon and musket competition held for militia companies.

The Kentish Guards are one of only five fife and drum corps in the United States that are a part of actual military organizations.
Flickr/ Shaun C. Williams
The current Kentish Armory in East Greenwich was erected in 1884. It is listed as one of the Historical Armories of Rhode Island.
Wikimedia/ Kenneth C. Zirkel
This photo, taken circa 1868 in front of the Armory, shows the Kentish Guards just after the Civil War.
Kentish Guards
Kentish Guards Fife and Drum Corps as they were in 1898, complete with wooden piccolos.
Kentish Guards

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In the 80's things looked pretty much the same, except for the cars.
Kentish Guards
Every year, they must be inspected by the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island.
Kentish Guards
The Guards include Line Officers, Staff Officers, Liaison Colonels, Retired Staff, Honorary Members, Associate Members, and Enlisted.
Most of their duties these days are ceremonial, but they can be called upon by the also in emergencies.
Kentish Guards
The snazzy parade uniforms they wear today are based on the ones they wore in the 1790's.
Flickr/ jeff stevens

You can find the Kentish Guards and the historic Armory at 1174 Armory St., East Greenwich. If you didn’t know this militia existed, check out a few other things you may not know about the history of Rhode Island or these places in our state that helped shape United States history.

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