massachusetts SAR Color Guard
The uniforms of the Color Guard reflect the time when the Massachusetts regiment was formed on May 19, 1775 with ten companies and 417 men under the command of Colonel Richard Gridley. On November 17, 1775, Colonel Henry Knox took command and held it until December 27, 1776, when he was made Brigadier General and Chief of Artillery in the Continental Army. When the Army was reorganized in 1776, this regiment became the 3rd Continental Artillery under Colonel John Crane.
During the period 1775-1776, the soldiers wore no uniform except what they could get, but the officers adopted a blue coat faced with red and lined with white cloth. These coats were cut in any style that the individual chose as there was no regulation, but the buttons were to be gilt and the buttonholes and lace the same. The coats were cut with tight sleeves and full skirts, as a rule, following the fashion of the day.
Later they wore the regulation artillery uniform adopted for all the artillery in accordance with Washington’s general order of October, 1779. This order was about the same as given above except that the coats were to be faced and lined with red, and the buttonholes bound with yellow tape for the men, and gilt for the officers. Buttons for the men were of pewter with raised letters “U. S. A.” on them, at this time. The Massachusetts Society’s Color Guard carries forward these traditions. Since its inception, audiences throughout New England have enjoyed the performances and experienced some history of America’s Revolution. The Color Guard appears in more than 20 events each year as part of our national program. It has come to symbolize what is best about our community, our history, and our society.
During the period 1775-1776, the soldiers wore no uniform except what they could get, but the officers adopted a blue coat faced with red and lined with white cloth. These coats were cut in any style that the individual chose as there was no regulation, but the buttons were to be gilt and the buttonholes and lace the same. The coats were cut with tight sleeves and full skirts, as a rule, following the fashion of the day.
Later they wore the regulation artillery uniform adopted for all the artillery in accordance with Washington’s general order of October, 1779. This order was about the same as given above except that the coats were to be faced and lined with red, and the buttonholes bound with yellow tape for the men, and gilt for the officers. Buttons for the men were of pewter with raised letters “U. S. A.” on them, at this time. The Massachusetts Society’s Color Guard carries forward these traditions. Since its inception, audiences throughout New England have enjoyed the performances and experienced some history of America’s Revolution. The Color Guard appears in more than 20 events each year as part of our national program. It has come to symbolize what is best about our community, our history, and our society.