Founding of the Massachusetts Militia Regiments: December 13, 1636

On December 13, 1636, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony took a decisive step in organizing the military defense structures of the colony by authorizing the formation of three militia regiments. This event marks a crucial moment in American history, as it is often considered the founding of what would become the National Guard of the United States.

Context and Background

The early 17th century was a period marked by tension and conflict between the English settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the indigenous Pequot people. The Pequots, who resided in what is now southern New England, saw their lands increasingly encroached upon by European settlers, leading to disputes and hostility.

In response to these tensions and the growing need for a structured defense mechanism against indigenous attacks and other threats, the General Court—a legislative assembly of the colony—sought to organize a coherent military force.

Formation of the Regiments

On this historically significant day, the General Court ordered the establishment of three militia regiments. These regiments were not the first military units in New England, but they represented a formalized effort to ensure the colony was capable of defending itself. The settlement’s towns were to provide men for these militia units, which would be regularly trained and prepared to defend the colony.

The three regiments formed were organized along geographic lines, encompassing:

• The North Regiment: Including the areas of Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, and other northern towns.
• The South Regiment: Consisting of the towns closer to Boston and other southern settlements along the coast.
• The East Regiment: Primarily covering the territory of present-day Essex County.

Significance and Legacy

The organization of these regiments laid the groundwork for a citizen-soldier tradition in America. Through the centuries, this concept evolved as the militias played significant roles in the American Revolution, and subsequent conflicts, ultimately leading to the formation of the National Guard.

The founding of these regiments on December 13, 1636, is celebrated today for its lasting impact on the military tradition in the United States, symbolizing the integration of local civilian forces into a unified defense structure. Each year, the National Guard commemorates this founding date, acknowledging its historical roots in the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s early defensive measures.