Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Promoting U.S. History in East Greenwich, RI.

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Volunteers Tackle Varnum Armory Exterior Cleanup

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Today was a busy day at the Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich, RI! Members Mark Trimmer, Tim “Action” Jackson, and Armory Curator Patrick Donovan spent a day of “hard labor” removing weeds, stray trees, scrap wood, and discarded trash from the back of the armory and canon shed.  It looks great after all their […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] General George Patton: Master of the Sword

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Few military exercises are as thrilling as the charge of a cavalry unit, sabers flashing as they face off against the enemy. Of course, in today’s advanced military arsenals, the saber has been relegated to ceremonial use. But as recently as the early days of World War II, you could have witnessed a cavalry charge. […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] The Dorr Rebellion Flag: A Mystery Solved

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Hanging in the President’s Office is a faded 19th century relic that commemorates a defining moment in Rhode Island history. May 3rd of this year is the 173rd anniversary of the inauguration of Thomas Wilson Dorr as governor of Rhode Island. The only problem was at the time there was already a duly elected governor, […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] Rhode Island’s Albert Martin, A Hero of the Alamo

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One of the most famous documents in American history, “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World,” was written by Lt. Col. William B. Travis as a plea for reinforcements to defend the Alamo against Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution in 1836. Intimately connected with the letter is Albert Martin, born […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] The Aircraft Carriers of Block Island

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Out on Block Island, there is a small plot of land with a very special memorial: a ship’s bell commemorating the two US Navy aircraft carriers that proudly bore the name USS Block Island. The first, designated CVE-21, was among the Bogue-class of escort carriers that went to sea early in World War II. These […]

Welcome to the Varnum Continentals Website!

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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