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You are here: Home / Historic Preservation / Varnum Continentals help preserve 1843 militia flag in North Kingstown

Varnum Continentals help preserve 1843 militia flag in North Kingstown

June 24, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers

The Varnum Continentals are providing assistance in saving yet another Rhode Island historical treasure. This time, it’s a rare and beautiful, hand-painted, silk 1843 militia flag currently in storage at the North Kingstown Free Library. The flag will be professionally conserved and mounted for display at a site to be determined.

The militia unit depicted on the flag, The Wickford Pioneers who formed just after the Dorr Rebellion, existed for just a few years before they disbanded. They reformed at the start of the U.S. Civil War. What became of them is unknown … for now.

As an organization, the Varnum Continentals are thrilled to help preserve and protect history across the state of Rhode Island and beyond.

1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers
1843 Silk Flag from the Wickford Volunteers

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At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Historic Preservation Tagged With: 19th century, dorr rebellion, flag, preservation

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

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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