Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---September 12-18

Being on the frontier in the early days of the United States meant that citizens had to be on guard. When Calhoun County was founded in 1832, there were still members of the Creek tribe inhabiting the area. The first settlers to Benton County, Alabama found a trading post at what became Jacksonville. The trading post, operated by Muskogee Creek Tribal Chief Ladiga, would soon be vacated when the Creeks were forced to sign over their land at the Treaty of Cusseta in 1832.

The state of Alabama established a militia in 1820. By 1837, the militia was reorganized to allow the volunteer companies to take over the primary defense of the state. The Benton County militia was formed not long after Jacksonville was established. The Benton Rangers were called to duty almost immediately when they were order to participate in the removal of the Creeks during 1835 and 1836. Even after the removal of the Creeks, a militia was retained for the protection of the community. Throughout the next ten years, the Benton Rangers, later the Benton Volunteers, actively participated in drills and exercises.

The local battalion consisted of both privates and officers in the cavalry. In the spring and fall of 1837, the battalion had monthly drills and inspections in Jacksonville. From the end of 1838 to the mid-1840s, there were few announced drills. In 1843, when Texas independence was met with a hostile reaction from Mexico, the Benton Guards had regular drills at their parade ground. By 1844, the townspeople of Benton County supported the annexation of Texas into the United States. During the 1840s, the War for Texas Independence was enthusiastically supported by Benton County. Some volunteers from Alabama did go to Texas to fight in the war.

The 1850s in Alabama were a relative peaceful time. By 1860, the national war clouds were forming. Benton County changed her name to Calhoun as a result of the political tensions. The men of Calhoun County formed numerous militia companies in preparation to fight to protect their homeland. There were the Alexandria Volunteers and the Alexandria Rifles. In addition, other companies formed included the Dudley Snow Rangers, the White Plains Rangers, and the Calhoun Guards. While these companies were going to war, the Calhoun Home Guard consisted of men who stayed behind to protect the lives and property of Calhoun County.

After the soldiers returned from the Civil War, the militias were once again active in the late 1870s and 1880s. Anniston, which was established in 1883, had two militia companies: The Anniston Rifles and the Woodstock Guards. The local militia companies slowly gave way to a more professional force. At the dawn of the 20th Century, what would become the National Guard of Alabama was taking shape.

To learn more about the history of Calhoun County pick up a copy of Images of America: Calhoun County (ISBN 978-0738589985), Anniston (ISBN 978-0738506012), or Anniston Revisited (ISBN 978-1467114752) by Kimberly O’Dell.