<p>During the period before statehood, the U.S. Federal Government authorized Washington Territory to form militia units to assist the civil authorities in maintaining law and order. A more permanent force was created on March 9, 1886, with the formation of the First Infantry Regiment of the Washington National Guard, led by Lieutenant-Colonel George D. Hill. The 2nd Infantry Regiment followed in 1887. The two regiments were later combined and in 1917 renumbered as the 161st Infantry Regiment, which continues to serve in U. S. military operations.
This posed group photograph of Company A of the 2nd Infantry Regiment was taken on maneuvers in 1914. Captain Roy B. McClinton commanded the company and is pictured in the center. </p>
<p>Handwritten on image: Photo by A. G. Simmer. Co. A. 2nd Infry. N.G.W. Maneuvers 1914, 622

Caption information source: "161st Infantry Regiment, Washington National Guard," by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D., HistoryLink.org Essay 10021</p>
<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Group portraits; Military uniforms--American; Militias--Washington (State)</li></ul>
<bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114071851" class="extiw" title="d:Q114071851"><span title="American photographer and postcard publisher">Alfred G. Simmer</span></a>
</bdi>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>