Varnum Continentals

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You are here: Home / Archives for drum

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island

July 20, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island

Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum…

The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated into the Second Brigade, Rhode Island Militia.

At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, “the Band left for Washington, with an immense crowd witnessing their departure amid tremendous cheering. Each man gave his signature and voted to go irrespectful of compensation for their services.”

On July 21, 1861, the Band was present at the first major battle of the U.S. Civil War: The Battle of Bull Run. Band members helped care for and transport the wounded to safety. The drum was likely present at the battle. Being with the first unit to come under fire, the band quickly put down their instruments to act as stretcher bearers for the killed and wounded.

Military bands played an important role in the American Civil War. They kept troops in order on the march, intimidated the enemy in combat while simultaneously motivating their fellow soldiers to stay brave in the face of imminent danger.

U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
U.S. Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, drum, varnum memorial armory

[MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War

May 4, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

In 1991, Greg Banner (a US Army Major at the time) was assigned as an advisor in El Salvador. The US had established an advisory team approximately 10 years prior to help that country fight a communist insurgency. Major Banner spent 15 months as the team leader for one of the several district teams living with and helping Salvadoran units fight their war. This presentation will provide some background to the war and then an overview of one soldier’s experiences there, up to and including the peace treaty which was signed at the end of his tour.

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

  • [MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War
  • [APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Blake Ruehrwein on Monuments Officers of the 21st Century
  • [MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

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