During the period before statehood, the U.S. Federal Government authorized Washington Territory to form 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 of the National Guard of Washington's First Infantry Regiment band was taken in 1892, probably in Seattle, where they were based. The musicians are posed holding their instruments, and many of the individuals are identified on the back of the mount. The motto on the band's drum, "In hoc signo vinces," is a Latin phrase conventionally translated as "Under this sign you will conquer."

Handwritten in pencil on verso: Top Row, 1 - Carder; 2 - ; 3 Brown; 4 Dad Wagner; 5 McAlister; 6 - ; 7 - . Second Row, 1 - ; 2 - John Williman; 3 Drum Maj.; 4 McCloud; 5 - . Third Row, 1 - Egan; 2. Orville Snyder; 4 Frank Kuhn; 5 Al Anderson; 6 - Wada; 7 - ; 8 - . Fourth Row, 1 - ; 2 - ; 3 - Harry Ingham. Wn. First Nat. Guard Band - 1892. Note - (Harry Peletiere would likely be able to identify the ones not named here).
Handwritten in black ink on verso: Presented by Mrs. Marian Green Cummings - daughter of Col. Joseph Green; Col. of the Wn. National Guard in the 1890's.

Caption information source: "161st Infantry Regiment, Washington National Guard," by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D., HistoryLink.org Essay 10021