| Gloucester Light Infantry R.I.M. 1774 |
| Organized in Chepachet, RI by an "Act of the Colonial Legislature," October, 1774, as the "Company of Light Infantry of the Town of Gloucester." In December of 1776 it became the 5th Company of the 1st Regiment of the Brigade raised for the defense of the United States in general and Rhode Island in particular. It returned as Gloucester Light Infantry on May 6, 1780 when the regiment was mustered out. Other wars, rebellions, etc., it participated in: War of 1812, The Dorr Rebellion of 1842, Civil War (when it became Company 1, 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers), Spanish American War in 1898, and WWI. In 1923 it became Battery F, 243rd Artillery. The Gloucester Light Infantry was reorganized in June 1974, and the original charter was reactivated by an act of the General Assembly of May 5, 1975. It is an official Rhode Island Militia Unit recognized by the Adjutant General. On October 19, 1980 its first Armory was dedicated on the corner of Dorr Drive and Douglas Hook Road in Chepachet, RI. In the past it has taken part in all Bicentennial events in Rhode Island and at present hosts its own Memorial Day Parade in Chepachet. In addition, the unit now includes a Field Music detachment, created in June of 2006, under the command of Captain, JoAnna Arias. Hanson Memorial Armory 33 Dorr Dr. Chepachet, RI 02814 |
