The Chatham Artillery has played a leading role in the history of the state of Georgia since the American Revolution. in 1776 Thomas Lee was authorized to enlist a provincial company of artillery for the defense of Savannah, the first such unit in Georgia's history. Commanded by Joseph Woodruff, they defended the right flank of American forces when the British attacked Savannah. They saw service in the Oconnee wars, The Embargo Wars, and The War of 1812. They were part of the force that occupied Fort Pulaski that opened the American Civil War, and served in and around Savannah and Charleston SC before joining General Johnston's forces in Columbia, SC. After reorganization in 1872, they mustered out to the border with Mexico, to stop Pancho Villa's raids in the United States. They served wi