Kentucky National Guard History

The Kentucky National Guard, like other state National Guards, has been known under various names such as state militia or state guard. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest military forces in the United States. Its history dates back to 1775 when Kentucky was known as Fincastle County, a part of western Virginia. The fundamental concept of a state or local military organization has existed since 1636, when the Colony of Massachusetts formed a regiment of “Trained Bands.”

Throughout her history, Kentucky has cherished the tradition of rendering military duty with zeal when called upon. Kentucky’s history teams with incidents of self-sacrifice unsurpassed in daring and achievement. Kentuckians have answered the call to arms in all wars of our country.

Since its inception, the Kentucky National Guard has not only stood ready as an alert fighting force ready to defend Kentucky and the United States against those who would destroy our democratic way of life but this voluntary citizens Army has also served in times of national disaster. The skill and proficiency with which the Guard has served Kentucky further contributes to the fact that it is, and will continue to be, a necessary and indispensable organization for the continuing existence of the Commonwealth.

To see the more of the rich and distinguished history of the Kentucky National Guard please Click Here.

Click here for information on the Centennial of World War I.

KyNG History Articles

Isaac Shelby – Placing the Commonwealth and the Kentucky Militia on a Strong Footing
January 4, 2022
Isaac Shelby, portrait

The Eighth Kentucky and the Battle Above the Clouds
November 24, 2021
B/W image of planting of the flag on Lookout Mountain.

Kentucky National Guard documented in Kentucky visual history series
November 23, 2021
James R. Southard, a photographer for the Kentucky Documentary Photography Project, stands for a portrait at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky. on November 12th, 2021.  Southard is documenting members of the Kentucky National Guard to be a part of the visual history of Kentuckians (U.S. Army photo by Andrew Dickson).

Kentucky National Guard Veteran restores howitzer
October 20, 2021
Retired Lt. Col. Dick Stoops describes an M114A2 Howitzer on Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky on May 10, 2021.  Stoops restored the decommissioned gun during the summer of 2021 (U.S. Army photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Jesse Elbouab).

Charge of the Forlorn Hope
October 6, 2021
1840
Lithograph

stone: 37.15 × 62.23 cm (14 5/8 × 24 1/2 in.)
Mabel Brady Garvan Collection
1946.9.356
Geography: 
Made in United States
Status: 
Not on view
Culture: 
American
Period: 
19th century
Classification: 
Works on Paper - Prints
Provenance: 
Mabel Brady Garvan Collection, to 1946; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn.

Remembering 9/11
September 11, 2021
Photoshop illustration by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alan Royalty for use in the Bluegrass Guard publication and historical summary of Kentucky National Guard on attacks of 9/11.

“To Meet the Enemy on Any Element”
September 10, 2021
Battle of Lake Erie. , 1893. [New York:publisher not transcribed] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018756278/



Klackner, C., copyright claimant.

Davidson, J.O., artist.

Bee Rife Osborne: Kentucky National Guard’s First Military Aviator
May 27, 2021
Bee Osborne

Happy Birthday, Bluegrass Marchers!
April 6, 2021
202nd Army Band celebrates 100 years

Kentucky State Guard 1917 - 1920
March 25, 2021
Kentucky State Guard 1917 - 1920

Publications


Bluegrass Guard Magazine

To read past issues of our publication, click the photo above.

Army History Magazine


Army History Magazine

To read past issues of the Department of the Army's Army History Magazine, click the photo above.

Three U.S. Air Force North American F-51D Mustang fighters from the 165th Fighter Squadron, 123rd Fighter Group, Kentucky Air National Guard, in flight. The 123rd FG flew the F-51 from 1946 to 1952.