Before the American Revolution, the city of Richmond raised a group of soldiers for protection, before being called into service under the command of General George Washington in the Virginia Line of the Continental Army. After the Revolution, the Richmond Light Infantry Company returned to Richmond, performing in parade for the people shortly after their return. This parade wasn't met with great
enthusiasm from the people, due to the Company wearing a red uniform, which was tradition at the time for militia units in British owned territory. The Company elected to change the color of their uniform to blue, and as such, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues was formed in 1789.
The Blues went on to serve in every major conflict the US has ever participated in until 1968 and the Korean war. Entering active service in the War of 1812 to repel British forces as they pushed into Virginia, not seeing combat as the war ended before the British forces reached the city. The Blues were called to service again during the American Civil War, as part of the 46th Virginia Infantry. The Blues participated in the Army of Occupation in Cuba during the Spanish American War, as well as serving during the Mexican Border Campaign in 1900. The Blues were reorganized for service in the 1st World War as part of the 104th Ammunition Train. Members of the Blues then went on to serve in World War 2, as well as Korea.
Due to a reorganization of the Virginia Army National Guard, the Blues were stood down in the year 1968, remaining dormant until December of 2016, where they were reestablished.
