The Minutemen

"I believe in profess that a people never must value anything 

higher than the dignity and freedom of its existence; that it 

must defend these with the last drop of its blood" 

 Karl von Clausewitz

This is not a Minuteman

It is often misinterpreted that the militia was the same as the Minutemen. The Militia were farmers in arms, who were protecting their town or properties from foreign invasion or attacks. The Minutemen were a small elite force who were expected to be highly mobile and easily deployable as well as being able to assemble quickly. They were handpicked from the militia by their commanding officer and were usually strong, enthusiastic young men below the age of 25.

Although the Minutemen are believed to start in the Revolutionary War during the 1770's, they are registered to exist as far as the 1600's. During 1689, another kind of Minutemen existed. They were called the Snowshoemen and were supposed to be able to march in a moments warning with moccasins, snow shoes and a hatchet.

During the French and Indian War, the Minutemen were supposed to be able to leave with 3 days provision, their arms, and other materials, within a minute of being told. In Massachusetts, the Minutemen were a well-trained force for more then six generations. By the time of the Revolution, Massachusetts had been training and improving their militia and Minutemen for more then a hundred years

Although all this, the Minutemen lacked central leadership which stop them from achieving greater moves against the British Army during many battle of the time.

"Thus, although lacking central command, the Minutemen were still better organized and battle-tested than any other part-time military. They were a vital and necessary force, playing a crucial role in not only the Revolutionary War, but in earlier conflicts. Without these "ready in a minute" men, our history may have been written in a very different way"

Andrew Ronemus

This is a Minuteman, with his flag and musket.

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