The Origins of the National Guard: Protection, Power, and Control

The National Guard traces its roots back to the early days of colonial America. Its official birthday is December 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized its men into three militia regiments. This date is recognized as the founding of what would eventually become the National Guard — making it the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

At the time, colonists lived in small, scattered settlements. They didn’t have a standing army and distrusted the idea of one, fearing the abuse of centralized power like they had seen under the English crown. Instead, they relied on local militias made up of ordinary men — farmers, craftsmen, and townspeople — who could be called upon to defend their communities.

Why the Militias Were Formed

The stated purpose of these militias was defense, but “defense” meant something very specific in the 1600s. Colonists considered several groups and situations to be “local threats”:

• Native nations – Colonists saw Indigenous peoples as a constant danger to their expansion. Wars like the Pequot War (1636–1637) and later King Philip’s War (1675–1676) were fought as settlers attempted to seize more land.

• Enslaved Africans – As the institution of slavery grew, colonists feared uprisings, resistance, and escapes. Militias were often called upon to enforce slave codes and suppress revolts.

• Internal unrest – From labor disputes to disagreements among settlers, militias doubled as a way to police their own communities.

• Rival colonial powers – Beyond immediate neighbors, there was always the looming threat of conflict with the Spanish, French, or Dutch.

So while militias were described as community protection, they also became tools of control — enforcing not only defense against outside attack but also the social and racial hierarchies inside the colonies.

From Colonies to a Nation

After independence, militias remained central to the new United States. Over time, they became more formally organized. The Militia Act of 1903 — also known as the Dick Act — transformed state militias into the National Guard as we know it today, integrating them into the federal system while still maintaining their state roles.

The Dual Role Today

The National Guard now serves a dual mission:

• State level: Responding to emergencies like natural disasters, civil unrest, and public safety needs.

• Federal level: Supporting the U.S. military abroad in conflicts and missions worldwide.

A Complicated Legacy

Understanding the Guard’s origins gives us a fuller picture of American history. What started as small groups of armed colonists defending their settlements was also a way to enforce power over Indigenous people, enslaved Africans, and even other colonists. That legacy of both protection and control continues to shape how communities view the role of armed forces today.

From 1636 militias to the modern-day National Guard, the story is not just about military tradition. It’s about who was seen as worth protecting — and who was seen as a threat.