The Relationship Between the Kentish Guards and the Rhode Island General Assembly

The Formation of the Kentish Guards

The establishment of the Kentish Guards in 1774 in the town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, marked a significant step in local self-defense and preparation in the face of escalating tensions between the American colonies and British rule. This local militia was created during a period when the colonies were experiencing increasing unrest and were beginning to realize the possibility of armed conflict with the British Empire. The primary motive behind the formation of the Kentish Guards was to create a localized defense unit that could not only protect its immediate community but also prepare for any potential conflicts that might arise. As part of the broader colonial militias, the Kentish Guards played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War.

The Role of the Kentish Guards

While the Kentish Guards were initially conceived as a local militia focused on the defense of East Greenwich, their contribution went far beyond the boundaries of their town. They swiftly became an integral component of Rhode Island’s military strategy throughout the Revolutionary War. This militia unit was not constrained to purely defensive maneuvers;