The Rhode Island Regiment, like many early American military regiments, was formed by the colonial government before being taken into the national army. The Rhode Island Assembly approved the formation of three regiments as part of its Rhode Island Army of Observation in May of 1775.
Of the three regiments, the Third Regiment (Church's Regiment) was disbanded and enlistments reassigned to other regiments.
The First and Second Regiments (Varnum's Regiment and Hitchcock's Regiment) were reorganized a number of times before consolidating as, simply, The Rhode Island Regiment.
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Within two months, the regiments had, at the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill, proven themselves to be so effective that they were assigned to a brigade in General George Washington’s Main Army.
The flag of the Rhode Island Regiment as we know it today is the original battle flag of the Second Rhode Island Regiment.
The design is set upon a white field, corresponding to the uniforms of the Rhode Island troops.
In the blue canton, thirteen yellow stars represent the original thirteen colonies and symbolized national unity.
Finally, the anchor symbol and the motto, “HOPE,” are the same symbol and motto used by the government of Rhode Island since 1647 (still used in the Rhode Island State flag today).
The Rhode Island Regiment took an active supporting role in many famous, influential battles of the American Revolution. Though they disbanded in 1783, the regimental flag is preserved in the State House at Providence, Rhode Island. Order your replica of the Rhode Island Regiment historic American flag.
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