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You are here: Home / Archives for 1st Rhode Island Cavalry

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Daguerreotype of Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry

September 4, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry

This photograph at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum shows Private Cyrus H. Brackett. Born in Acton, Maine, 20-year-old Cyrus Brackett enlisted in the First New England Cavalry as a resident of Dover, NH on October 12th 1861. He was mustered into Co. K on October 24th. Comprised of one battalion of New Hampshire men and two battalions of Rhode Islanders, the regiment was re-designated the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry in early 1862. In one of their first combat actions of the American Civil War, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry heroically fought and captured the Confederate-held town of Front Royal, Virginia, which marked the upper reaches of the strategic Shenandoah Valley. Not satisfied with the town’s capture, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry continued after the Rebels.

Though the retreating foe sent back their compliments in the form of shot and shell, our riders dashed fearlessly on and came upon their hastily formed line of infantry, beyond the farthest bridge, on the Winchester road, and here made one of the most bold, thrilling, magnificent charges on record. They smote the enemy like a tornado and broke their line. Here heroically fell most of the men we this day lost. Here slept in death the bravest of soldiers by the side of fallen horses and dying enemies. The memorable spot was in the vicinity of General Banks losses just one week before; thus refluent are the bloody waves of war. Never fell truer, braver men.

Private Cyrus H. Brackett was one of those brave men that fell to his death while making that fateful charge on May 30, 1862.

Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, civil war, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Artifacts & Guidon Flag

June 19, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit
Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit

In direct relation to our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag, the Varnum Memorial Armory also has on exhibit the uniform belonging to North Kingstown’s Lyman Aylesworth, one the few cavalrymen to escape the Battle of Middleburg on June 18, 1863.  Click here to book a tour!

Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit
Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit
Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit
Selected items in our 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Exhibit

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, battle of middleburg, civil war, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Company L Guidon Flag from the First Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War

June 19, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag

June 18, 2016 was the 153rd anniversary of the First Rhode Island Cavalry‘s demise at the Battle of Middleburg during the U.S. Civil War. Nearly surrounded by overwhelming numbers from Jeb Stuart‘s Confederate cavalry, Col. Duffie ordered every man to try to get away. Out of roughly 280 soldiers, only 27 made it out. In the midst of the fray, this guidon flag of Company L was captured late in the morning of June 18th, 1863.  The guidon flag is one of the newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum in East Greenwich, RI.  Click here to book a tour at the armory!

Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, civil war, Jeb Stuart, 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.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!
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