During the period before statehood, the U.S. Federal Government authorized Washington Territory to form independent militia units to assist the civil authorities in maintaining law and order. A more permanent force was created on March 9, 1886, with the formation of the First Infantry Regiment of the Washington National Guard, led by Lieutenant-Colonel George D. Hill. The Second Infantry Regiment followed in 1887. The two regiments were later combined and in 1917 renumbered as the 161st Infantry Regiment, which continues to serve in U. S. military operations.
This image shows members of the National Guard of Washington's First Battalion standing at attention with their bedrolls slung over their shoulders.
Handwritten on image: Barton Chicago handwritten on image: 1st Battalion 2nd Washington Handwritten on verso: McClinton
Caption information source: "161st Infantry Regiment, Washington National Guard," by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D., HistoryLink.org Essay 10021
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on cardboard: b&w ; 23.25 x 6.25 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
