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 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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5 days ago

We knew this all along....

Sea shanties are your soundtrack of 2021.
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Sea shanties are your soundtrack of 2021. Seriously

www.cnn.com

The earthy vocals, easy harmonies and addictive beat of such songs just make people want to get together and belt 'em out.
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Comment on Facebook The earthy vocals, ...

I saw that on Steven Colbert last night and immediately thought of you and Ken Gilbert

It reminds me of The Morgan's, a group of musicians who performed sea shanties and traditional music in Connecticut and other venues in southern New England. They were awesome! 🎶🎼💕

I love sea shanties

1 week ago

The Pawtuxet Rangers marching before Queen Elizabeth, II and Prince Phillip on July 11, 1976. ... See MoreSee Less

The Pawtuxet Rangers marching before Queen Elizabeth, II and Prince Phillip on July 11, 1976.
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Comment on Facebook The Pawtuxet Rangers...

I was there!

I was there with the BTA.

The Queen was in Pawtuxet Village??? Is there more info on this?

God save the queen!!!

Oh how cool is that!👏🎶

oh you found it, I was there, it was SOOOOOO HOT

I was there and Prince Philip walked up and spoke to me.

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2 weeks ago

Rangers first public appearance since reactivating the charter - from May 28, 1975. ... See MoreSee Less

Rangers first public appearance since reactivating the charter - from May 28, 1975.
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Comment on Facebook Rangers first public...

John Ward, Martin Dugan, Bill Mackie, Milton Wrath and Ed Ball

Like the acknowledgment of the F&D

1 week ago

Replica of the sloop Katy is lowered in for the Bicentennial. ... See MoreSee Less

Replica of the sloop Katy is lowered in for the Bicentennial.
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Comment on Facebook Replica of the sloop...

Later to become the Sloop Providence. After being holed while on dry dock in Newport during a storm. Now restored and being taken care of by the Tall Ship Providence Foundation in Alexandria, VA. My Dad was a plank owner of the Sloop.

2 weeks ago

I received a scrap book and a few other items from Colonel Lynch’s son Robert. The scrapbook contains items and pictures from 1975-1976. Here is the first Ranger recruiting flyer from 1975. ... See MoreSee Less

I received a scrap book and a few other items from Colonel Lynch’s son Robert. The scrapbook contains items and pictures from 1975-1976. Here is the first Ranger recruiting flyer from 1975.
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Comment on Facebook I received a scrap ...

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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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