Early American Militias: The Forgotten History of Freedmen Militias from 1776 until the Civil War

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The 2nd Amendment

Enshrined in the 2nd Amendment, the United States militia movement dates back to Colonial America. How did militias come to be? What is their purpose? And how have they shaped the culture of the U.S.? 

In colonial America, every able-bodied man was considered to be part of the militia from their town or city, and these men would help in the common defense of the citizenry. During the Revolution these militias played a critical role in defeating the British.

Learn more about the history of militias in the United States from pre-Revolution America up to the Civil War at Ammo.com: https://ammo.com/articles/freedmen-militias-american-history-1776-civil-war