The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.  It was on that date that the Colonies became free and independent States.  Ever since, the Fourth of July has been celebrated as the Birth of our Nation.

As the One Hundredth Anniversary of that event drew closer, a group of citizens of the City of Philadelphia started meeting to organize a commemorative celebration.  On March 3, 1871 Congress approved the planned events.

In January 1876, Major George W. McLean who was the Commander of the Old Guard of the City of New York, Captain Robert C. Gilchrist who was then the Commander of the Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, South Carolina, and Major John W. Ryan, Commanding Officer of the State Fencibles of Philadelphia, suggested a parade on July Fourth should include at least one historic military command from each of the Thirteen Original States.  This suggestion met with instant approval.

The Governor of Pennsylvania issued official invitations to the Governors of these states requesting their cooperation.  On July 4, 1876 the parade consisted of a formation, which, up to that time, had never been attempted.  Each state was represented by one of its own ancient military commands.  "The Centennial Legion" was born.

Following is a list of the original commands together with their location and year of origin:

Fifth Regiment Infantry   Maryland   1774
Fayetteville Independent Lt. Inf.  North Carolina  1793
Boston Light Infantry  Massachusetts 1798
Washington Light Infantry  South Carolina 1807
State Fencibles Infantry  Pennsylvania  1813
New Haven Grays  Connecticut  1816
First Light Infantry Regiment  Rhode Island  1818
Old Guard City of New York  New York 1826
Norfolk Blues Artillery  Virginia  1828
The Clinch Rifles  Georgia  1852
The Amoskeag Veterans  New Hampshire  1854
Phil Kearney Guards  New Jersey  1868
American Rifles  Delaware  1875