35009 - U.S. Militia Officer, 1808-16

Captain Fisher represents the typical U.S. militia captain of the early 19^th century Federal / Regency period. Militia service was required of all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 45.  While extensively for the defense of the local communities, militias were often also a powerful social and political force within those communities. Militia musters were required at minimum of twice a year to practice drilling as a Regiment but some towns held them more frequently. These musters were social events for the whole town. In the U.S.A. the officers of the militia were often elected by the militia men rather than appointed, so they could be quite a popularity contest.