Georgia. Chatham Artillery of Savannah

The Chatham Artillery is the oldest military organization in the State of Georgia, form on May 1, 1786. It has always been, and continues to be, an important unit of the State Militia and participated in every war fought by United States forces with the exception of the War with Mexico, 1845-1848, at which time another Savannah military unit was chosen by lot. The company was called upon for both festive and solemn occasions, such as escorting President George Washington in 1791, the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825, and the funeral of General Nathanael Greene in 1786. In earlier days, the Chatham Artillery was known for its colorful dress uniform, worn for parades and celebrations. It still exists as a separate corporation and still celebrates its anniversary in May of each year. Its present military designation is Battery B., 1st How. Battalion, 118th Artillery and Headquarter and Headquarter Battery, 48th Armored Division Artillery.

The Chatham Light Artillery was formed in Savannah, Georgia in the early spring of 1862 with men from Chatham County, Georgia.