During the Civil War

Meetings and rallies were held here during the turbulent Civil War years.

2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, Company E

The Narragansett Guards, a local militia, became Company E of the 2nd RI Volunteer Infantry and was known as “South Kingstown’s Own.” The group was comprised of 135 men from the surrounding area.

The 2nd RI Infantry fired the opening volley at the First Battle of Bull Run (1861). They continued service through the end of the war during the Appomattox Campaign (1865).

Isaac Peace Rodman (1822-1862)

Born and raised in South Kingstown, he was a local politician, businessman, and a banker. At the start of the war, he led the efforts in South Kingstown to raise a militia for the Union Army. He served as Captain of the 2nd RI Volunteer Infantry, Co. E but quickly rose to Brigadier General of the 4th RI Infantry Regiment. He fought in 6 major battles, but was mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam in 1862.