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 2nd 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 1st Infantry Regiment of the National Guard of Washington on parade shows the band at the front, wearing uniforms from fraternal organization the Knights of Pythias. This parade took place just three months after the regiment was created, and ended in a picnic at Alki Point.
Handwritten on negative: First Bat., Band N.G.W. in K of P Uniform Rank Parade. May 13, 1886. Picnic to Alki Point.
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 ; 5 x 7.5 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.
