history


Federal Blues R.I.M.
Rhode Island Historical Militia - Chartered in 1798 - Warren, Rhode Island, USA
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	HISTORY OF THE FEDERAL BLUES The early years after the Revolutionary War proved to be unstable for the young United States. France was struggling for balance in the world marketplace after they experienced their own revolution in 1783. Unable to hold trading intrest in the United States they were forced to seize American trade ships and steal food to feed their starving people back home. The French were not the only terrorists of the seas, the British also rampaged and looted American ships. In the end a total of six hundred American ships were sunk and 25,000 men killed.



		As a countermeasure many towns chartered militias to protect the borders and prevent possible attacks from the sea. Only a few years after the Revolutinary War, Warren, Rhode Island was a growing seaport and played an important role in the evolution of the country. In the interest of protecting its assets and well being, the residents of Warren formed themselves into a military body and requested a charter of incorporation. On the last Thursday in October of 1798 the Federal Blues RIM (RI Militia) was chartered and constituted as an independent company of infantry. In the contract the Federal Blues were not to exceed sixty-four men of rank and file and have one Captain, one Lieutenant, and one Ensign. It cost the militia only $8 to be chartered. By 1820 the United States was a much stabler and safer country. Having no need for an independent military group the Federal Blues were disbanded. The group was once again re-chartered in 1976 for the enrichment of the history of Warren. To this day they maintain an armory in historic downtown Warren and have an outstanding Fife & Drum Corps.



	Last updated: November 23, 2008 - Website created and managed by Tessalina Halpern - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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