Today in Guard History

March 18, 1754

Williamsburg, VA — The Virginia legislature approves the organization of the Virginia Regiment. It consist of full-time soldiers, paid by the colony to garrison frontier outposts against Indian incursions. Most of its men are enlisted from the militia of the western frontier, primarily Augusta and Frederick counties in the Shenandoah Valley. They are to be uniformed and equipped at the colony's expense. One of the officers appointed to this force is Major (later Colonel) George Washington.

--National Guard Bureau