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History

History of the New Hampshire National Guard

The New Hampshire National Guard as a militia for self-defense can be traced back to 1623 and the first settlements near the mouth of the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, NH. By 1631, At Fort Point in New Castle, a defensive artillery earthworks was established to protect artillery and provide an effective field of fire housing several brass cannons. The colonists were equipped with an arsenal of firearms and other weaponry. Later, a wooden fortification and more brass cannons became Fort William and Mary, and today Fort Constitution continues to occupy this original site.

The ASVAB at National Guard

Historical Timeline

1660
Birth

New Hampshire's first militia units are organized

1754
French and Indian War

New Hampshire's militia units fight in various conflicts against the natives and their French allies

1775
Revolutionary War

During the Revolution (1775-1783), elements of New Hampshire's militia fought at Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Trenton and Monmouth.

1812
War of 1812

In the War of 1812 (1812-1814), the militia served in campaigns along the Canadian border.

1846
Mexican War

New Hampshire raises one regiment for service in the Mexican War (1846-1848), commanded by COL (and future president) Franklin Pierce.

1861
Civil War

During the Civil War (1861-1865), New Hampshire organized 17 infantry regiments plus one cavalry and one artillery for the Union Army. Most saw combat at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.

1898
Spanish-American War

One New Hampshire regiment served during the Spanish-American War (1898-1899).

1916
Mexican Border Crisis

For the Mexican border crisis of 1916, the state deployed one infantry regiment to Laredo, Texas.

1917
World War I

When America entered WWI (1917-1918), the 1st New Hampshire Infantry sailed to France and became the First Army Headquarters Regiment. Most of the rest of the state militia was assigned to the 26th Division and fought in six campaigns in France.

1941
World War II

During WWII (1941-1945), the 172nd Field Artillery Battalion fought in Northern Europe while the 197th Coast Artillery (Antiaircraft Artillery) served first in Australia and later in the Philippines.

1950
Korean War

Two New Hampshire units were mobilized during the Korean War (1950-1953).

1968
Vietnam War

The 3rd Battalion, 197th Artillery, served in Vietnam in 1968-1969.

1990
Desert Storm

The 744th Transportation Company served in Desert Storm (1990-1991).

2001
Global War on Terror

Since 9/11, more than half of the soldiers and airmen of New Hampshire's Guard have deployed overseas in support of the Global War on Terror.

Join us

The National Guard serves both a federal and state mission