U.S. National Guard Birthday Timeline

1933

Dual control

The U.S. gave joint control of the National Guard to both the federal and state governments.

1916

It's official

The term “National Guard” became the official name

1824

The term "National Guard" made its debut

Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought in the Revolutionary War, used the term “National Guard” as a way to characterize each state’s militia.

1636

Small local units of militia merged into one

This creates the first colony-wide militia — setting the stage for a truly "National" Guard.

1607

The first militias formed

This takes place during England’s colonization of the Americas.