With the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, Rhode Island Militia units formed the ten line companies of the [[1st Rhode Island Infantry|1st Rhode Island Detached MilitaryMilitia]] Regiment under the command of Colonel [[Ambrose Burnside]]. Additionally, the [[Providence Marine Corps of Artillery]] was mobilized as the 1st Rhode Island Battery. The 1st Rhode Island fought at the [[First Battle of Bull Run|Battle of Bull Run]], under command of Major [[Joseph Pope Balch]] who succeeded to command after Burnside was promoted to brigadier general. The 1st Rhode Island discharged, along with the 1st Battery, when its 90 enlistment expired on August 2, 1861.
