Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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

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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.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Civil War Tintype of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles

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John Knowles Civil War Tintype Photo
John Knowles Civil War Tintype Photo

A new tintype photograph is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It is an image of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles of Co. A in the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers. He enlisted on 14 August 1861 serving at New Bern, (possibly) Antietam, and Fredricksburg. He was killed in action at the Battle of the Crater (Petersburg) on July 30th, 1864. His body was never recovered as fighting continued for some days until a truce was finally called to bury the dead of both sides. From their regimental history, it reads:

Those bodies that were recognized and could be lifted on to stretchers without falling to pieces, were carried into our lines and buried. Pits were dug twenty or thirty feet long and about four feet deep for the rest. The poor fellows were then rolled, and in some cases, shovelled onto the stretchers, and dumped or laid in the holes, one on top the other, until within a foot of the top, and then covered with loose earth.

In course of time these bodies decayed. Subsequent storms washed the loose covering of earth down through, and for months after, until the end of the war, long rows of bleaching skeletons marked this field of awful slaughter.

John Knowles’ body still rests in one of these pits today. RIP and we should never forget his sacrifice to enable what Abraham Lincoln called, “a new birth of freedom”.

John Knowles Civil War Tintype Photo
John Knowles Civil War Tintype Photo

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] The M3A1 “grease gun”

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M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.

An iconic weapon from World War II is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: the M3A1 “grease gun”.

Costing only $20 to produce, the M3A1 was created to replace the much more expensive and reportedly less reliable Thompson submachine gun. Looking a little too much like an auto mechanic’s tool, many soldiers were hesitant to use it. But it proved very reliable and handy in tight spaces (like tanks and armored vehicles).

Designed by George Hyde of General Motors, production was done by GM’s Guide Lamp division in Indiana. Our example was originally issued to the U.S. Navy and used at Quonset Point. It is on loan from the East Greenwich Police Department.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure

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Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag

A key aspect of the Varnum Continental’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island military history. To that end we are working with the Benefit Street Arsenal to professionally conserve and mount a priceless Rhode Island Civil War treasure: a Confederate artillery battery guidon flag captured by the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers after making a desperate charge at the Battle of New Bern on March 14, 1862.

The flag was sent home and placed here at Benefit Street where it was hung with nails for 155 years. The flag is a valuable symbol of the sacrifice that Rhode Island made for the cause of freedom and Union. We’re very proud of this important conservation work. Many thanks goes out to Brendan Synnamon of the Union Drummer Boy in Gettysburg for his expert assistance.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry

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U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry

At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a piece of a U.S. Civil War secession flag taken at Hagerstown by one of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (originally the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia) and presented to “Geo M Ladd by Chas E Douglas USA July 6th 1861”.

This has to be one of the first Confederate flag’s to be taken by the Union; it’s dated only 2 weeks before First Battle of Bull Run. Charles Douglas is pictured here! What a wonderful little artifact!

Charles Douglas of the First Rhode Island Infantry

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

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

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