The Henricus Citie Militia, a volunteer group, works hand-in-hand with Henricus Historical Park to recreate the second English settlement in the New World. The Henricus Militia website will bring greater awareness of our mission to bring early 17th century Virginia history back to life.
Upon first planting an English settlement in Virginia in 1607 the Virginia Militia was established as an armed force composed of all citizens capable of bearing arms. Militia service in Virginia was compulsory for all free males. The Virginia General Assembly commanded, “that men go not to worke in the ground without their arms; that no man go or send abroad without a sufficient partie well armed.”
Since Jamestown was determined to be an unhealthful and indefensible settlement Sir Thomas Dale arrived in Virginia with 300 hardened soldiers and instructions from the London Company to find a secure and healthy area to establish a new town and principal seat for the colony. In September 1611, Sir Thomas Dale moved up the James River to establish Henricus, the colony’s second settlement.
The Henricus Citie Militia brings the history of the settlement of Henricus back to life. Since founded in 1995 the The Henricus Citie Militia has participated in every major event at Henricus Historical Park and has represented the Park in venues around the state (Jefferson Hotel tree lighting, Chesterfield Veterans Day) and at other historical parks (Jamestown, St. Maries Citty, etc.). The Henricus Militia has been the official volunteer militia of Henricus Historical Park since 1997. The Henricus Citie Militia includes infantry, artillery, and river transportation like the original Virginia militia.
Send us a message at ds@henricusmilitia.com
Connect with us at facebook.com/henricusmilitia & twitter.com/henricusmilitia
