THE “DASHING” EIGHTH The Beginning: 1636-1861 The Eighth
Massachusetts Infantry was a Regiment organized within the
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (M.V.M.) which had its origins
dating back to Colonial times as far as 1636. Prior to the Civil
War, the Massachusetts Militia had participated with distinction
in every major American military conflict including the French
and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the
Mexican-American War. Massachusetts Regiments and Brigades were
based on geographic location within the Commonwealth and were
formed from local militia Companies which were headquartered in
individual communities. The Eighth Regiment was comprised of
companies from the “North Shore” communities of Gloucester,
Ipswich, Lynn, Marblehead, Newburyport, Salem and Saugus.
Initially organized as the East Regiment in 1636, it was re-
designated as the Essex Regiment in 1643 which it remained until
1775 when it became known as the First Essex Regiment. In 1840
the regiment was renamed the Si