About The Regiment
We are Varnum’s Regiment!
Varnum’s Regiment is an active Historic Military Command chartered by the State of Rhode Island. We are committed to preserving the military customs and traditions of the Revolutionary War era and promoting the historic and military heritage of East Greenwich (our hometown), Rhode Island, and our country.
- Celebrating Patriotism. We are the public face of the Varnum Continentals at events and ceremonies throughout the State and beyond. You’ll see us at parades, State, and civil events.
- Engaging Community. Through our educational and community service projects, we promote history, heritage, and civic well-being.
What The Regiment Does
- Varnum’s Regiment is headquartered at the Varnum Memorial Armory, home to the Varnum Armory Museum.
- Our uniform is that of the Continental Army; its design was specified by General George Washington.
- Varnum’s Regiment honors patriot and founding father James Mitchell Varnum. He was a prominent lawyer; in 1774 he was elected the first Commandant of the Kentish Guard militia of the town of East Greenwich in the Colony of Rhode Island. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the Continental Army.
- Varnum’s Regiment reports to the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island. James Mitchell Varnum was the first Major General of RI.