First Defenders Civil War Round Table of Berks County

The original First Defenders became a subject of interest as a result of the deployment of National Guard troops, including many from Pennsylvania, to provide security in Washington, D.C. following last week’s violent intrusion into the United States Capitol building and in advance of next week’s presidential inauguration.

It apparently came to someone’s attention that January 2021 was not the first time troops occupied the Capitol for its defense, and WFMZ Channel 69 News reached out to the Berks History Center to learn more about the original First Defenders.  That call went to Vicky Heffner and onto President Breneiser who had an opportunity to explain the role of the Ringgold Light Artillery and how its militia services compared to the modern National Guard…