26 JUL--This Day in US Military History

2015-07-26T10:09:21-04:00

1774 – Following the conclusion of the First Continental Congress (also this day), Minutemen were selected in the American colonies.

The terms militia and minutemen are sometimes used interchangeably, but there was a difference between them. Militia were military units formed to protect their towns from foreign invasion. Minutemen, on the other hand, were a small elite force, hand-picked by militia commanders, which were required to be able to assemble quickly. Usually 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength. Usually about a fourth of the militia served as Minutemen.
Although today Minutemen are thought of as originating in the War for Independence, they actually began in Massachusetts during as early as 1645. Equipped with matchlocks or pikes, they were to report within half an hour of being warned.
One thing the Minutemen lacked was central leadership, a flaw that would lead to their dissolution. At Concord, Minutemen companies from Concord, Acton, Littleton, and other towns combined their units. They were sent to the North Bridge in Concord with a number of light infantry. After a few volleys were fired, the British light infantry retreated back to the Concord Common area. Lacking central command, each company of Minutemen chose their own action and they did not pursue the redcoats. In the running battle that ensued fifteen miles back to Boston the Massachusetts militia would see their last action as Minutemen in history. The militia would go on to form an army, surrounding Boston and inflicting heavy casualties on the British army at Bunker and Breed’s Hill.

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/…/10/26/october-26/

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 26 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-07-26T10:10:15-04:00

Thanks for this important military history day update.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 26 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-07-26T10:39:53-04:00

Also the end of segregation in the military. Executive order 9981 was signed by Harry Truman. We fought and served together until WW1 . And yes there were all Black Regiments , like the Buffalo soldiers.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 26 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-07-26T10:42:43-04:00

Extraordinary, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member. I never knew that "Minutemen" was an actual term used at the time. I thought it was a "present day" application to the past. Thanks!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 26 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-07-26T10:53:17-04:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member It is amazing to see that Mass has gone from the birthplace of rebellion to the lapdog for the nanny state!

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jul 26 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-07-26T13:38:43-04:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I love the constant teaching. I learn something new every day. I was never sure that the term "minuteman" was a military term. Awesome clarification. Second, I have always wondered where they went. I know after Lexington and Concord you hear about militia but no more of the minutemen. Central Leadership seems the problem. To Think if they had a strong leader, how would have the northern Revolutionary Campaigns have gone? Again, awesome post.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 28 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-07-28T09:41:57-04:00

They also liked to use the terrain for cover and concealment, and they played the role of snipers with their superior range to British officers.