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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)

July 15, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)

Another wonderful addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a canteen carried by a Daniel Sullivan of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers from 1862 to 1864 during the American Civil War.

Dan Sullivan of Providence (and later Pawtucket), Rhode Island, enlisted on August 21,1862 at North Providence as a Private in the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers to serve his country. He was transferred out on May 1, 1864, before transferring into the Veteran Reserve Corps on May 21, where he served until the end of the war. The Veteran Reserve Corps was for soldiers too ill or wounded to serve on the front lines, but who still had a desire and some physical ability to serve.

Sullivan likely carried this canteen throughout his service. The canteen, cover, and strap show clear evidence of use in the field. The cover is faintly painted with “DS” in red, white, and blue paint. The cork stopper chain is also painted as is the exposed part of the canteen. This was possibly done post War for display at the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) veteran post. The period brass tag marked “Daniel Sullivan of Pawtucket RI” came along with the canteen when acquired.

The 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers was a battle-hardened unit seeing action at virtually every major battle fought in the Eastern theater by the Union Army of the Potomac. Major battles that the 2nd RI participated in during Dan’s service include Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

To think that this canteen was present at these pivotal and epic events in American history is awe inspiring.  Thanks to Brendan Synnamon and the Union Drummer Boy for helping us acquire this fantastic piece.

U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)

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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: civil war, featured exhibit, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[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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