Pawtuxet Rangers

Living History

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History – Modern Times

FifeDrum1974Reactivation (1972) through today

The reactivation of the unit began in 1972. The Gaspee Days Committee wanted a hometown fife & drum corps in their colonial parade to act as “host corps” and thus the committee raised such a corps. In 1972, the Pawtuxet Rangers Fife & Drum Corps hit the street led by Hoot Hartman. The original charter was reactivated at this time for the corps to operate under. When the nation’s Bi-Centennial celebrations were being planned, many of the chartered commands were re-activated to reenact the life styles of the Colonial soldier, who played such an important part in the history of the United States. The Pawtuxet Rangers militia company was formed in 1974 and the charter transferred to it. The fife & drum corps was integrated with the militia in 1975. The commander was Col. Robert Lynch who would command the unit for 22 years. In 1985, the last owner of the original armory sold the property back to the Rangers. After extensive renovation and restoration by the Rangers themselves, the armory building was re-dedicated on July 15, 1989 to its original purpose– as an armory and meeting hall for this historic and venerable state-chartered militia unit located in one of New England’s oldest villages.

Today the Pawtuxet Rangers are among the oldest existing chartered commands in the country. They still operate under their original charter of 1774. Under the overall command of the Governor as Captain General, and the direct command of the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, the Rangers still retain the independent status of their charter while also available on a voluntary basis to assist in certain State functions if so requested. company1The Pawtuxet Rangers are among the most active of Rhode Island’s historic militia groups and are one of only four fife and drum corps in the United States that are part of an actual military organization. Today the Company has Militia including color guard, musket line and artillery and a Fife & Drum corps. They are constantly sought for participation in a wide variety of parades and public appearances, including ceremonial State functions, battle reenactments, living history demonstrations, educational visits and speaking engagements.

Thanks to local historian Henry A.L. Brown for his knowledge and for his providing access to his compiled information about the Pawtuxet Rangers. This compilation would not have been possible without his assistance.

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1 day ago

Do you think you have a Revolutionary War Ancestor? Join the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution this Wednesday for a free workshop!

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Do you think you have a Revolutionary War Ancestor? Join the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution this Wednesday for a free workshop!
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2 days ago

More photos of the Rangers getting ready for the St. Patrick's Day parade in Providence on 3/18/23.

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More photos of the Rangers getting ready for the St. Patricks Day parade in Providence on 3/18/23.Image attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment
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3 days ago

Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A beautiful day with beautiful, wonderful people. ... See MoreSee Less

Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 
A beautiful day with beautiful, wonderful people.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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Good parade with a wonderful group of people

Outstanding, Belinda.

Nice pics .... :). Love you all

Fun time!

Such a fun parade! Love my Rangers brothers and sisters!

Looks fabulous.

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3 days ago

2023 Volunteer Meeting March 25

-9:30 Informational Meeting for folks interested in volunteering and new volunteers

-10:00 am Meeting for returning volunteers

Are you interested in:

-Making a positive impact on you community?

- Helping to preserve history?

-Meeting people with similar interests?

-Sharing your skills and learning new ones?

-Being a part of a legacy for future generations?

-The Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead is a National Historic Landmark Museum located at 50 Taft St. Coventry RI

For more information email us at nathanaelgreenehmst@gmail.com or send us a PM

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4 days ago

Help cleanup one of RI’s important Revolutionary War landmarks!

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Help cleanup one of RI’s important Revolutionary War landmarks!
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The Pawtuxet Rangers are among the most active of Rhode Island's militia groups and are one of only four fife and drum corps in the United States that are part of an actual military organization. Today the Company has Militia including color guard, musket line and artillery and a Fife & Drum corps.

Affiliations

Members of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands
Centennial Legion

Members of the Company of Fifers and Drummers
Company of Fifers and Drummers

Members of the Rhode Island Historic Chartered Commands

Contact

59 Remington Street
Warwick, RI 02888
401-785-1774
pawtuxetrangers@aol.com

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